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Northern Mockingbird

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mocking bird attacks snake

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Arkansas State Animals, Northern Mocking bird, white tailed deer, honey bee, Diana Frittilary

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Fledgling Mockingbird

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Mockingbird Chicks Just Hours Before Leaving Nest

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Mocking bird running a snake off

The northern mockingbird is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. This species has rarely been observed in Europe. This species was first described by Linnaeus in his Systema Naturæ in 1758 as Turdus polyglottos. The northern mockingbird is known for its mimicking ability, as reflected by the meaning of its scientific name, 'many-tongued mimic.' The northern mockingbird has gray to brown upper feathers and a paler belly. Its tail and wings have white patches which are visible in flight.
  • Taxonomy 

  • Description 

  • Distribution and habitat 

  • Behavior 

  • Predation and threats 

  • Intelligence 

  • In culture 

  • State bird