The official state bird of Florida is the mockingbird, which can sing hundreds of songs and mimic the calls of a variety of birds.
This small songbird's vocals are extraordinary. Mockingbirds have been known to sing all day long and well as into the night.
Only the unmated males sing at night. Once a male finds a mate they stop singing at night.
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The mockingbird is pale gray and white below with two wing bars and large white patches on their wings.
Both sexes sing the melodies of several other birds as well as their calls. They earned their name by "mocking" other bird songs.
The mockingbird is pale gray and white below with two wing bars and large white patches on their wings. When in flight they are easily spotted and identified. They are feisty fliers and acrobatic in the air.
They have a long tail with white feathers, a thin bill and rather long legs for their body size. When a mockingbird is in flight its tail looks extremely long next to their short wings.
Mockingbirds are fierce when it comes to protecting their nests from predators. They have been known to swoop down at dogs, cats or any other predators they feel are too close to their nest.
The mockingbird mating season is during spring and early summer. Their eggs are blue-green with brown markings with three to five usually found in nests.
Mockingbirds like to feed in open grassy areas. Thick shrubs help them hide the nest, which is made of leaves, grass and feathers.
They are never far from the ground. Males look to perch high where they can sing and let it be known they are protecting their territory. Mockingbirds feed in gardens, especially in the winter if berries are available. Their diets consist mainly of spiders, beetles, grasshoppers, ants and seeds.
Mockingbirds are good to have around your garden because they eat a lot of insects. A birdbath will attract them to your backyard as will berry bushes. Dried fruits such as grapes and raisins will definitely get their attention.
Once you welcome these cute little birds to your neighborhood there will be a lot of singing going on so get used to it. Mockingbirds will serenade the neighborhood for hours at a time in spring and summer.
