Brown thrashers and mockingbirds are two bird species that are known for their vocal mimicry. Both birds are adept at imitating a wide variety of sounds, from the songs of other birds to man-made noises like car alarms. This impressive vocal ability can make it challenging to distinguish between the two species by sound alone.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the songs and calls of brown thrashers and mockingbirds. We’ll compare and contrast their vocalizations to help shed light on the question: Do brown thrashers really sound like mockingbirds? We’ll also provide tips on how to identify each species by sound, as well as sight.
Brown Thrasher Song and Calls
The brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) is a medium-sized songbird found throughout the eastern and central United States. It prefers shrubby, brushy habitat.
Male brown thrashers have an extensive repertoire of songs, with estimates ranging from over 1,100 to 3,000 different song types. Their songs are melodious phrases that are often repeated two to four times in succession. Songs can range from sweet, winding warbles to intense jumbled bursts of notes.
Here are some key features of brown thrasher vocalizations:
– Songs are complex and melodic, with phrases repeated multiple times
– Mimics sounds of other birds, frogs, insects and man-made noises
– Sings from exposed, elevated perches
– Sings steadily for long periods during breeding season
– Call is a harsh, raspy “spear”
In addition to elaborate songs, brown thrashers also utilize shorter vocalizations or calls. Their most common call is a harsh, raspy “spear.” They may also make a “whit” call during aggressive encounters.
Mockingbird Song and Calls
The northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is also found throughout much of the continental United States, often in more open habitats than the thrasher.
Male mockingbirds are renowned for their mimicking ability. A single mockingbird can mimic up to 200 different species of birds, insects, amphibians and even mechanical sounds. Their songs are comprised of a wide variety of short musical phrases, often repeated multiple times.
Here are defining features of mockingbird vocalizations:
– Mimics extensively, incorporating sounds of other birds into songs
– Song phrases are shorter and often repeated
– Sings from open, exposed perches
– Sings almost continuously at night during breeding season
– Call is a harsh “churr”
The northern mockingbird also utilizes simpler calls, particularly a harsh “churr” sound. Calls are used in aggressive interactions or to signal alarm.
Comparing the Songs
Although both mockingbirds and thrashers are accomplished mimics, there are differences in how they incorporate imitated sounds into their songs.
Phrase length
– Mockingbirds tend to use shorter song phrases that are repeated multiple times.
– Thrashers sing longer, more complex phrases with fewer repetitions.
Mimicry
– Mockingbirds excel at accurately imitating the songs of other species. They incorporate more mimicked sounds into their repertoire.
– Thrashers mimic less frequently. Their imitations are often less accurate than those of mockingbirds.
Daytime vs nighttime singing
– Mockingbirds sing persistently at night during breeding season.
– Thrashers sing mostly during the day.
Song continuity
– Mockingbirds may sing almost continuously for hours on end.
– Thrashers sing steadily but take breaks between song bouts.
Repertoire size
– Mockingbirds have extremely large repertoires, perhaps up to 200 song types.
– Thrashers have large repertoires estimated at over 1,000 songs but may not match mockingbirds in variety.
Habitat
– Mockingbirds typically sing from open, exposed perches.
– Thrashers sing from within dense, brushy thickets.
So while both mockingbirds and thrashers are talented vocalists, mockingbirds tend to sing shorter phrases with more mimicry, especially at night. Thrashers distinguish themselves with more melodious, complex songs delivered with less continuity from concealed perches within shrubby habitat. These differences in song style and behavior can aid identification.
Tips for Telling Their Songs Apart
The following tips can help clarify whether you’re listening to a brown thrasher or a mockingbird:
– Phrase length: Listen for longer, more elaborate phrases to pick out a thrasher. Shorter, repeated phrases indicate a mockingbird.
– Mimicry: A song with very accurate imitations of other species is likely a mockingbird. Thrashers mimic less frequently.
– Singing at night: Persistent nighttime singing points to a mockingbird.
– Singing perch: If the bird is singing from a concealed perch in dense vegetation, it’s likely a thrasher. Open, exposed perches indicate a mockingbird.
– Repertoire: A wider variety of song types could signify a mockingbird.
– Geographic location: In the southeastern U.S., brown thrashers are more common. Western and central states host more mockingbirds.
With practice, an experienced birder can distinguish between mockingbirds and thrashers by song alone. Familiarity with the regional species can also help narrow down the possibilities.
Appearance Differences
In addition to sound, mockingbirds and thrashers can be identified visually by the following field marks:
Mockingbird
– Gray upperparts
– Paler gray underparts
– Two white wing bars
– Black eyes and bill
– Long tail flashes white in flight
– Slender, upright posture
Brown Thrasher
– Rich reddish-brown upperparts
– Heavily streaked underparts
– Long black bill curved slightly downwards
– Yellow eyes
– Long tail with white tips on outer feathers
– More hefty body shape with full breast
So if you can get visuals on the singing bird, look for the thrasher’s red-brown coloration, heavy streaking and yellow eyes compared to the mockingbird’s gray plumage with white wing bars and black eyes.
Conclusion
Brown thrashers and mockingbirds occupy similar ecological niches and possess equally impressive repertoires of song. While both species mimic each other’s vocalizations in addition to other environmental sounds, mockingbirds tend to be more frequent and accurate mimics.
Key differences in song structure, singing behavior and habitat preferences help distinguish their voices. Mockingbirds sing shorter phrases with more mimicry – sometimes at night – from open perches. Thrashers utilize longer melodic phrases and prefer to sing concealed in dense shrubs.
So while brown thrashers share some singing characteristics with mockingbirds, an experienced birder can tease apart differences in song style, repertoire and behavior that reveal their unique identities. Listening carefully for key nuances coupled with visual confirmation can help confirm whether that prolific songster is a thrasher or a mocker.
Sources Referenced
– Allaboutbirds.org. “Brown Thrasher Overview.” https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Thrasher/overview
– Allaboutbirds.org. “Northern Mockingbird Overview.” https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/overview
– The Spruce. “20 Fascinating Facts About the Northern Mockingbird.” https://www.thespruce.com/northern-mockingbird-facts-386588
– The Spruce. “How to Identify Northern Mockingbirds.” https://www.thespruce.com/identifying-northern-mockingbirds-386453
– Audubon. “Brown Thrasher.” https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/brown-thrasher
– Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs: Eastern Region.” Brown Thrasher.” Track 13.
– Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs: Eastern Region.” Northern Mockingbird.” Track 35.