How to Recognize the Two Types of Mockingbirds in East Tennessee

By blueclover

Instructions

Step 1:
Understand that the Catbird is easily identified by its dark gray plumage, black cap and black tail.
Step 2:
Know the Catbird has a mew like call that is followed by the mimicking of other birds.
Step 3:
Keep in mind that the Catbird stays mainly in dense thickets that are low to the ground.
Step 4:
Know that Catbirds are more likely to be seen in pairs than Northern Mockingbirds.
Step 5:
Understand that Northern Mockingbirds can easily be recognized in flight because of the outer white tail feathers and the patches of white on its wings.
Step 6:
Know that the body of the Northern Mockingbird is a much lighter shade of gray than the Catbird and it also has more black on its wings.
Step 7:
Don't forget that sometimes at midnight, when the moon is full the Northern Mockingbird can be heard mimicking a few nocturnal birds as well as day time birds.
Step 8:
Be aware that sometimes the Northern Mockingbird seems almost tame and will allow you to get close to them.
Step 9:
Know that unlike the Catbird, who likes to keep a low profile in thickets, the Northern Mockingbird like to perch on top of telephone poles and in tree tops.
Step 10:
Remember that Northern Mockingbirds can sing for hours at a time.

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