Yes, the northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is found throughout Pennsylvania. The northern mockingbird is a medium-sized songbird that is known for its mimicking ability. It is gray in color with white patches on its wings and tail. Mockingbirds are year-round residents of Pennsylvania and can be found in urban, suburban, and rural habitats across the state.
What is the range of the northern mockingbird in Pennsylvania?
The northern mockingbird can be found across the entire state of Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, mockingbirds breed in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania. They are a common sight in towns, cities, suburbs, parks, yards, farms, and open woodlands. Anywhere that provides thickets, hedgerows, or scrubby areas for nesting and feeding is suitable mockingbird habitat.
Mockingbirds are more abundant in southern parts of the state than northern regions, but they occur statewide. The highest breeding densities are found in southeastern Pennsylvania. However, mockingbirds have expanded their range northward in recent decades as winters have become milder. They can now be found nesting as far north as Erie and Warren counties.
What is the habitat of the northern mockingbird?
Mockingbirds are habitat generalists, meaning they can thrive in many different environments. Their preferred habitats include:
- Thickets
- Hedgerows
- Orchards
- Open woodlands
- Forest edges
- Parks
- Residential areas
- Farm fields
- Vacant lots
Any area that provides dense, low vegetation for nesting, along with open grassy areas for foraging on insects, is suitable. Mockingbirds particularly like habitat mosaics that offer a combination of feeding and nesting areas. They are highly adaptable to human environments and are common in suburban yards, city parks, and rural settlements.
What do northern mockingbirds eat?
Northern mockingbirds are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet consists of:
- Insects
- Spiders
- Worms
- Berries
- Fruits
- Seeds
In spring and summer, they feed heavily on insects like beetles, crickets, moths, ants, wasps, and grasshoppers. They also eat berry and fruit crops like grapes, figs, mulberries, cherries, and blackberries. In fall and winter they rely more on fruits and berries, as well as seeds from grasses, flowering plants, and grains.
Mockingbirds are known to occasionally eat small lizards, frogs, or rodents. They have even been observed drinking sap from ornamental trees or eating dog food left out in yards!
When do northern mockingbirds breed in Pennsylvania?
The breeding season for northern mockingbirds in Pennsylvania spans from late March through late July. Courtship and pairing begins in March. Males establish nesting territories and attract females by singing day and night.
Nest building typically peaks in April and May. The female mockingbird builds the nest in a shrub or small tree, usually 3 to 10 feet above ground. Nests are bulky cups of twigs, grass, leaves, and sometimes trash like paper or foil.
Eggs are laid between May and June. The clutch size is between 3 to 5 pale blue or greenish eggs. Incubation lasts 11 to 14 days. Females do most of the incubating while males stand guard.
Young fledge 10 to 14 days after hatching. Mockingbirds usually raise two broods per season. Some pairs may raise a third brood before the end of July. Both parents feed and care for the fledglings.
How do northern mockingbirds get their name?
Northern mockingbirds are named for their ability to mimic or “mock” the sounds of other birds and animals. Male mockingbirds have a varied repertoire of songs and calls that they learn and compile over their lifetimes.
Each mockingbird has its own set of copied songs and sounds that it strings together into long, complex melodies. Their songs include imitations of:
- Other bird songs
- Frog calls
- Insect chirps
- Animal sounds like cats, dogs, or lambs bleating
- Mechanical sounds like car alarms or squeaky gates
- Even human speech and music!
Mockingbirds sing the loudest and most frequently during breeding season, but they often sing year-round. The males sing to establish territories and attract mates. Their mimicking songs are one way they impress females.
How can you attract northern mockingbirds?
To make your yard or property attractive to northern mockingbirds, follow these tips:
- Plant thickets of dense shrubs that provide cover
- Allow tall weedy patches for nesting sites
- Provide short grassy areas for foraging
- Put up low hedges or fence lines
- Add fruiting trees and shrubs
- Supply a water source like a bird bath
- Avoid pesticides that reduce insect prey
Mockingbirds are bold and relatively tolerant of human activity. They will use backyards, gardens, and park spaces in urban and suburban areas. Providing habitat features they favor and limiting pesticide use will invite them in.
Where do northern mockingbirds migrate?
Most northern mockingbirds that breed in Pennsylvania do not actually migrate significant distances. They are non-migratory and remain in Pennsylvania year-round. However, some northern populations may migrate short distances.
In winter, northern mockingbirds may wander somewhat south of their normal range if food becomes scarce. But they generally do not make true migrations covering hundreds of miles like some songbirds.
A small percentage of the mockingbird population may migrate from the extreme northern areas of their range in Canada down through the northern United States. But most mockingbirds that breed in the mid-Atlantic and south stick close to home year-round.
In Pennsylvania, mockingbirds are present during winter months and maintain their breeding territories. They eke out an existence on persistent fruits and berries. Insects become more scarce but mockingbirds occasionally snatch them on warmer sunny days.
Harsher winters with heavy snow cover can impact their overwinter survival. But in most years, the Pennsylvania mockingbird population remains stable without needing to migrate long distances.
Are northern mockingbirds common in Pennsylvania?
Yes, northern mockingbirds are a very common and familiar bird throughout the state of Pennsylvania. According to the Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania, mockingbirds have been detected in over 93% of atlas blocks statewide. Their population has grown by over 2% per year from 2004 to 2014.
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data shows mockingbirds are found on routes across Pennsylvania in all regions. BBS data indicates:
- In 1966, mockingbirds were detected on 32 of 61 PA BBS routes.
- By 2019, mockingbirds were found on 55 of 61 routes.
- Their average number per route increased from 2.66 birds in 1966 to 7.69 birds in 2019.
The data confirms mockingbirds are very common and widespread breeders. They are a native species that has adapted well to human landscapes. Their populations have grown as they have taken advantage of suburbs, parks, and backyards providing extra habitat.
Table: Northern mockingbird BBS trend data 1966-2019:
Year | Routes Detected | Birds per Route |
---|---|---|
1966 | 32 | 2.66 |
2019 | 55 | 7.69 |
Mockingbirds are now among the top 15 most commonly observed birds on Breeding Bird Survey routes in Pennsylvania. Their constant singing and conspicuous behavior make them difficult to miss during the breeding season.
Do northern mockingbirds stay in Pennsylvania all year?
Yes, the majority of northern mockingbirds that breed in Pennsylvania are year-round residents. Most individuals do not migrate and will occupy the same home ranges throughout winter.
Data from bird banding records confirms their lack of migration. Of over 13,000 mockingbirds banded in autumn in Pennsylvania during 1989-2018, only 14 were ever recovered more than 120 miles from the banding site.
Christmas Bird Counts also record mockingbirds in Pennsylvania during winter months. The number of mockingbirds observed on CBCs has increased over time, consistent with the growth of the statewide population.
However, there may be some seasonal movement and shifting of home ranges to areas with better food availability. And a small number of Pennsylvania’s northernmost mockingbirds may join migrant flocks and head a bit further south. But most mockingbirds tough out the winters as permanent residents.
How do northern mockingbirds behave?
Northern mockingbirds exhibit some interesting and notable behaviors:
- They are highly territorial – mockingbirds aggressively defend nesting and feeding areas.
- Males sing almost constantly during breeding season and wing-flash to drive off intruders.
- They chase after hawks, crows, cats or other threats while alarm calling.
- Mockingbirds bathe frequently by splashing in puddles or bird baths.
- They regularly perch up prominently to survey their territory.
- They forage by running along the ground or making short flights to capture insects.
- At night they usually sleep low in dense shrubs or brush piles.
In addition to their mimicking songs, mockingbirds have a variety of harsh, squealing alarm calls. Their loud voices can be heard from dawn until dusk, making them very noticeable birds.
What threats and predators do northern mockingbirds face in Pennsylvania?
Predators of mockingbirds, especially their eggs and nestlings, include:
- Cats
- Snakes
- Blue jays
- Crows and ravens
- Hawks
- Raccoons
- Opossums
- Squirrels
- Rat snakes
However, adult mockingbirds are very defensive of their nests and aggressively drive off or attack potential predators. They may mob much larger animals that get too close. Humans may get scolded or even dive bombed by angry mockingbirds guarding a nest.
Other threats include:
- Collisions with cars, windows, or towers
- Pesticides reducing insect prey
- Freezing weather and ice storms
- Habitat loss
Despite these hazards, mockingbird populations remain robust in Pennsylvania. Their adaptability to human environments helps offset habitat loss. They are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Are northern mockingbirds loud and aggressive?
Yes, northern mockingbirds are known for both their loud, constant singing and aggressive defending of their territories:
- Male mockingbirds sing loudly and almost endlessly during breeding season. Their mimicking songs run together into a continuous stream of calls and imitated sounds.
- Both males and females will aggressively chase away other birds, animals, and humans that get too close to a nest or young. They may make diving flights at intruders.
- Mockingbirds will attack pets like cats that they perceive as threats. Cat owners may be frequently woken by mockingbirds alarm calling at their pets.
- Mockingbirds vigorously defend feeding areas in fall and winter when food is scarce. They will chase off other birds attempting to eat fruit on “their” bushes.
- Their loud alarm calls and screaming noises when distressed can be a nuisance to people.
So northern mockingbirds make their presence obvious. Their constant vocalizations and combative nature help signal “their” territory. Mockingbirds in residential areas often disturb people’s peace and quiet. But these behaviors are simply their instinctive ways of protecting and providing for themselves.
What is the conservation status of northern mockingbirds in Pennsylvania?
Northern mockingbirds have a conservation status of “Least Concern” in Pennsylvania according to the Pennsylvannia Biological Survey. Their populations are robust and increasing across the state.
Mockingbirds are ranked S5 or “Secure” on the PA conservation status scale. This means they are demonstrably widespread, abundant, and secure in the state.
Trend data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) confirms mockingbirds are increasing significantly in Pennsylvania at a rate of 2.1% per year from 1966-2015.
Christmas Bird Counts also show increasing numbers of mockingbirds wintering in the state. The population appears to be expanding its range slowly northward as climate warms.
With high reproduction rates and adaptability to human landscapes, northern mockingbirds are expected to continue thriving in Pennsylvania. There are no major threats to the statewide population currently. They are common urban and suburban birds that often interface with people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, northern mockingbirds are widespread and familiar year-round residents across the entire state of Pennsylvania. These medium-sized gray songbirds flourish in both rural and urbanized habitats.
Mockingbirds are best recognized by their loud, mimicking songs and aggressive territorial defense. They vigorously protect nesting areas in spring and food resources through the fall and winter.
Abundant breeding bird data shows mockingbird populations are increasing and expanding their range in Pennsylvania. They have capitalized on human-altered environments. As adaptable native birds, northern mockingbirds seem well-poised to continue flourishing in close proximity to people. Their loud voices will ensure they remain a conspicuous part of Pennsylvania’s avian landscape.