How to identify the Northern Mockingbird

To correctly identify the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

20.5-28 cm (8.1-11.0 in)

Wingspan

31-38 cm (12-15 in)

Weight

40-58 g (1.4-2.0 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults are gray-brown on the upperparts and pale gray to whitish on the underparts. They have two white wing bars and prominent white patches on the primary flight feathers, especially visible in flight. The tail is long and dark with white outer tail feathers. There is a faint white eye-line.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Slender, slightly decurved, and black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Yellowish-orange.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The most distinctive features are the large white wing patches, especially noticeable during flight or when flashing the wings, and the long tail with white outer rectrices. Its upright posture and frequent tail-cocking are also characteristic.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have a more mottled or spotted breast, often with faint streaking, and may appear slightly browner overall. Their eyes are typically grayish-brown, gradually changing to yellow-orange.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round, though wear and tear can make feathers appear duller before molting.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are outwardly identical in plumage and size.

Key field marks

• Plumage and Size. Look for a medium-sized, slender gray bird with a long tail. The overall gray-brown upperparts and paler underparts are characteristic.
• White Wing Patches. The most definitive field mark is the large white patch on the primaries, highly visible in flight and often noticeable when perched. Also look for two faint white wing bars.
• White Outer Tail Feathers. When the bird flies or cocks its tail, the white outer tail feathers are very prominent against the dark central tail.
• Behavior. Observe its behavior: frequent tail-cocking, running and hopping on the ground, and aggressive territorial displays. They often 'wing-flash' by raising their wings to expose the white patches, though the purpose of this behavior is debated (possibly to startle insects or display).
• Song. Listen for its incredibly varied and repetitive song, mimicking other birds and sounds. Each phrase is typically repeated 3-6 times before a new phrase is introduced.

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