Did you know that a bird can imitate the sounds of other birds?
Although many species of bird imitate other birds, the Northern Mockingbird is the best known in North America for doing it. It can learn up to as many as 200 sounds. It imitates not only birds but also other animals and mechanical sounds such as a car alarm and lawn mowers, a gate opening. Scientist cannot say for certain why mockingbirds mimic the sounds of birds, other animals, or objects. Click here for a sample of some of the sounds you may hear.
Why do mockingbirds sing through the night?
In addition to being good mimics, mockingbirds are also some of the loudest and most constantly vocal of birds. They often sing through the night, or when the moon is full. Do you ever wonder why the mockingbird sings at night when most birds sleep? Wouldn’t you think that the bird would be announcing his exact location to every cat on the block? Doesn’t the volume generated by the cacophony of loud sounds from the bird’s diaphragm and breast muscles take a lot of energy and rob the mockingbird of energy it needs to hunt for food for himself and his family? Some research has discovered that a “sonic sparring” is happening between principalities within a neighborhood, each of which produces their food and provides the shelter they need forever. So the next time you are awakened in the early morning hours by a chorus of non-stop songs from a male mockingbird, remember it may not only be to attract a mate, but to protect its turf!