Northern mockingbird (mimus polyglottos) Mockingbirds sing a medley copied from more than 40 other birds, singing each birdcall two or three times before changing to a new tune. Both males and females sing, but bachelor males sing for hours during the day and on moonlit nights. 
I’m sure you’ve heard Florida’s state bird, the northern mockingbird, sing even if you don’t know it.
Because of the mockingbird’s beautiful voice, it is sometimes called the American nightingale.
The northern mockingbird’s scientific name, Mimus polyglottos, means “many-tongued mimic.” Mockingbirds can mimic a barking dog, a squeaky door and even piano notes so well that electronic detection devices have trouble telling the difference. These birds continually add new sounds to their collection. It’s no surprise they are classified as songbirds and as such, are protected by local, state and federal laws.
The mockingbird is a non-migrating, year-round resident throughout most of North America. Despite its name, however, the northern mockingbird is present in the highest concentration in the south.
This light gray bird has a white underside and white patches on its wings. It grows to 9-11 inches long, including its relatively long tail, and has a wingspan of about 14 inches.
Striking yellow eyes and a slightly curved bill accent this otherwise plain bird. Sexes cannot be distinguished by their appearance.
Mockingbirds live in deserts, woodlands and even cities, but they prefer open grassy areas for feeding and thick shrubs for nesting. They use trees or poles for perching, singing and to keep an eye on their territory so they can defend their nests and their environment. And defend they do.
Dogs, cats, other birds and people are fair game if they get too close. Mockingbirds are territorial all year, but between March and August, they’re particularly aggressive. Sometimes they single out individual people and attack them while ignoring others.
In Florida, both sexes of mockingbirds build several cupshaped nests of twigs, dry leaves and grass, plus cigarette filters, string, paper and cotton if they find it. The female incubates three to six blue-green speckled eggs for 11-14 days, and then both parents feed the hatchlings. If broods overlap, the male care for fledglings while the female incubates the next clutch. After 12 days chicks will leave the nest and hop on the ground. Parents still feed their young during this time.
Mockingbirds mate for the season and occasionally for life. One documented pair lived together for eight years, their normal lifespan in the wild.
Mockingbirds are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They consume spiders and insects, earthworms and small lizards as well as fruits and seeds. Feeders don’t usually attract them, but they might stop on a platform feeder for a few bites of millet, cracked corn or sunflower seed.
Mockingbirds control pests by eating beetles, ants, wasps and grasshoppers. They disburse berry and fruit seeds. Best of all, they cheer us with their melodious songs.
Next time you hear one singing, stop and enjoy the melodies. You’ll be glad you did.
Paddle, hike with park guides
Guided day and moonlight canoe trips and hikes are booking up quickly at Collier- Seminole State Park. This season’s schedule is as follows:
>>Guided daytime canoe trips
take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Participants paddle through a mangrove wonderland along the Blackwater River and listen to a park ranger tell stories about the Seminoles’ survival. These trips are fun for ages 6 and older; cost is $25 per person.
>>Guided moonlight paddles
take place from 7:30-10 p.m. Dec. 28 and 30, Jan. 27 and 29, Feb. 26 and 27, and March 27 and 29. Join a park naturalist and discover the changes nighttime brings along the Blackwater River. These trips are great for ages 12 and older; cost is $30 per person.
>>Guided night hikes
take place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 11 and 13, Feb. 10 and 11 and March 10 and 13. These walking adventures are ideal for ages 6 and older; cost is $10 per person.
Those who want to discover Collier- Seminole State Park on their own can explore the park’s 11 miles of hiking trails from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Enjoy picnicking, birding, fishing, camping, a boat ramp and the historic “walking dredge” that was used to build the Tamiami Trail.
Entrance to the park is at 20200 U.S. 41, eight miles east of Highway 951. Reservations are required for the guided hikes and canoe trips. Call 392-3397 for more information.
