Mockingbirds proliferate in Bayview

It seems like we just reported that the parrots that have made the heart of Bayview their home have multiplied.

Now Quesada Gardens residents have observed Northern Mockingbirds in great numbers enjoying palm tree dates and backyard tree fruits.  The flash of white under their wings, and their skill with mimicking sounds make these birds distinctive visitors.

These birds sing almost endlessly, flagrantly harass birds that intrude on their territories, flying slowly around them or prancing toward them, legs extended, flaunting their bright white wing patches.

A 2009 study showed that the bird was able to recognize individual humans, particularly noting past intruders or threats.

There are now more Northern Mockingbirds living in urban habitats than non-urban environments, so they are consequently known as an urban-positive species.

A pair of mockingbirds often has more than one nest at a time. The male will watch over fledglings (older young with feathers) while the female sits on a new batch of eggs. Eggs hatch in less than two weeks.

Mockingbirds are well known for their singing, especially the males. They mimic many other birds, dogs, cats, humans, and mechanical sounds. They can even pick up sounds being mimicked by other mockingbirds!

Northern Mockingbirds sometimes sing through the night, especially when there is a full moon.

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