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How to Observe Mocking Bird Behavior

Birdwatching can be a fascinating and educational experience. Mockingbirds are considered exceptionally interesting creatures because of their territorial tendencies and ability to mimic many other birds in a string of songs. If your yard is graced by a mockingbird's presence, observing its behavior is fairly simple and somewhat entertaining. A pair of binoculars are helpful but not necessary. Patience and good observation tools are all you really need to begin observing mockingbird behavior.

Things You'll Need

Binoculars (optional)

Instructions

How to Observe Mockingbird Behavior
- 1
  
  Mockingbirds prefer open spaces to hunt insects but fly into bushes' safety.
  
  Identify a mockingbird by its coloring, songs and eating habits. A mockingbird has medium gray coloring and a long black tail that features white outer feathers. The white patches in its wings are striking in flight. The bird is named for its ability to mock, or mimic, other birds' songs. Listen for one to sing. Mockingbirds even sing in the middle of moonlit nights. These birds are present in 48 U.S. states and like to make their presence known with their playful antics. They are adaptable and live in towns, parks and suburban back yards. They eat insects and fruit and can be encouraged to an open yard with surrounding bushes and fruit trees. Although they prefer to nest and forage for insects in lower elevations, you may find one sitting high on tall shrubs, poles or utility lines.
- 2
  
  A baby bird waits for food.
  
  Watch for nesting mockingbirds. If you see a mockingbird carrying nesting material, follow it from a distance, such as 20 to 30 feet. If you find a nest site, minimize disturbance to its surrounding area. Listen for mockingbird chip notes or calls alerting a mate that a female is off the nest; however, leave if the female becomes visibly agitated. After the baby birds hatch, you may hear high-pitched squealing in short bursts throughout the day while the parent birds take food to the nest. Mockingbirds are very territorial. They will chase off intruding birds and have been known to chase off dogs and cats who creep too close to a nesting site. In fact, they might fight themselves in a highly polished or reflective surface, such as a hubcap or reflective window. If you observe such behavior close to your yard, you might have a nesting site nearby.
- 3
  
  Mockingbirds sing.a string of other birds' songs.
  
  Encourage mockingbirds to your area. Create a suitable nesting and feeding habitat with open lawn spaces and surrounding bushes. Minimize disturbances from pets and human activity during the nesting season. The nesting cycle of birds is intense but short-lived.
- 4
  Sit still outside each day. You could sit on a patio or deck or in a park to observe mockingbird activities and behavior.

Animals & Science