Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. This species has rarely been observed in Europe. This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae as Turdus polyglottos.

The northern mockingbird is a medium-sized mimid with long legs and a tail. Males and females have similar appearances. Its underparts are white or whitish-gray in hue, while its upper parts are gray. It has parallel wing bars on the side of the wings linked near the white spot, giving it a striking appearance in flight. The usual white lateral rectrices and the black central rectrices are also visible in flight. The iris is typically yellow or light green-yellow, though there have been occasions where it has been orange. The bill is black with a base that seems brownish black. The juvenile appearance is defined by the streaks on the back, the distinct markings and streaks on the breast, and the gray or grayish-green color of the iris.