How to Identify Mockingbirds

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Take note of the habitat of the Northern Mockingbird. The Northern Mockingbird lives in many habitats and prefers those that have shrub-like vegetation and open spaces. Such habitats include farmland, parkland and suburbs. The Northern Mockingbird is widespread and common in North America.
Step 2:
Observe the appearance of the Northern Mockingbird. The upperparts of the Northern Mockingbird are dark gray, and the underparts are pale gray. Their rounded wings are gray with two white bars and two white patches that become visible when the wings are spread. The bird has a long, fan-shaped tail that is gray with white outer feathers. The eyes are yellow to orange, and the bill is black with a brown basal color. Males and females have a similar appearance, while juveniles have faint brown streaks on their underparts.
Step 3:
Take note of the size of the Northern Mockingbird. It is a medium-sized bird, ranging from 8 to 10 inches. It weighs approximately 1.5 to 2 ounces and carries a wingspan of 12 to 14 inches.
Step 4:
Listen to the distinctive sounds of the Northern Mockingbird. The bird has a long song that is composed of various phrases. Some are original phrases and others imitate the calls of other species. These phrases are repeated three or more times during each call. During the fall, Northern Mockingbirds frequently sing at night to protect their territories. In addition to their songs, Northern Mockingbirds also have a loud, sharp call that sounds like "Check!"

Tips & Warnings

Don't confuse the Northern Mockingbird with the Bahama Mockingbird. The Bahama Mockingbird mostly lives in the Caribbean and rarely inhabits southern Florida and the Florida Keys. It is larger than the Northern Mockingbird, browner and has a harsher call
The Northern Mockingbird is also referred to as the American Nightingale.

Resources

All About Birds from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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