Northern Mockingbird

         The Northern Mockingbird is a unique animal. Its known for its ability to copy sounds and make them into a song. Its Latin name is Mimus Polyglottos which means mimic of many tongues. Mincing the sounds of other animals can fool other birds into thinking that the mockingbird is a threat.  The Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized bird with a gray back, white underbelly, long tail, rounded wings, and curved beak. The males on average are between 22-25 cm long and weigh around 51 grams. The females on average are between 20- 23 cm long and weigh 47 grams. The difference between the two is that the male is slightly larger. These birds live in low elevated areas like hedges, shrubs, thickets, and backyards. They eat seeds, berries, and insects: ants, spiders, grasshoppers, and beetles.  The mockingbird is territorial and fearless. If you are in its territory it will not hesitate to strike you. Especially when it has a mate, the male will perch himself on a platform and sing. Singing to alert other mockingbirds that this is his land and other animals should not trespass. However, when another male mockingbird comes too close to the territory, the two face-offs in a duel. Fighting for the piece of land or even a partner. They spend most of their time south of the United States and Mexico. The mockingbird is a low concern and has a breeding population of 32 million.