Yes, Louisiana is home to several species of mockingbirds, including the Northern Mockingbird which is the state bird of Louisiana. Mockingbirds are a common sight and sound across the state.
Mockingbird Species in Louisiana
There are four species of mockingbirds that can be found in Louisiana:
- Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) – The official state bird of Louisiana since 1927. Common year-round resident across the state.
- Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus) – Uncommon local breeder in southern parts of the state.
- Long-tailed Mockingbird (Mimus longicaudatus) – Rare visitor along the southern Gulf Coast.
- Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) – Summer breeding resident in forests throughout the state.
Range and Habitat
The Northern Mockingbird is found statewide in a variety of open and semi-open habitats including urban parks and gardens, farms, forest edges, and open woodlands. They are a very adaptable species that thrives around human habitation.
The Tropical Mockingbird occurs locally in scrub and thickets along the southern coast. The Long-tailed Mockingbird is a rare visitor to Southwestern Louisiana near the Texas border.
The Gray Catbird breeds in shrubby wetlands and woodland understory across the state. They are more reclusive than mockingbirds and stay hidden in vegetation.
Identification
Mockingbirds are medium-sized songbirds with long tails, legs, and wings. Distinguishing features include:
- Gray upperparts and whitish undersides.
- Black wings with white wing patches visible in flight.
- Long tail that is dark with white outer tail feathers.
- Yellow eyes.
- Long bill and legs.
The Northern Mockingbird is the only mockingbird with white wing patches in Louisiana. It is gray overall with a paler gray breast. The Tropical Mockingbird is grayish-brown above with a brownish wash on the breast. The Long-tailed Mockingbird is the largest with a very long black tail with white outer feathers.
Songs and Sounds
Mockingbirds are renowned for their loud, complex songs. Male mockingbirds sing almost continuously throughout the day and night during nesting season. Their large repertoire includes mimicking sounds like other bird songs, insect calls, frog croaks, and even mechanical noises.
Both males and females of all mockingbird species sing. Songs consist of repeating musical phrases interspersed with harsh chatters. The Gray Catbird has a distinctive cat-like mewing call.
Behavior and Diet
Mockingbirds are highly territorial and aggressive in defending their nesting areas. They frequently attack other birds including much larger hawks and crows that enter their territory. They also mob predators that get near their nest.
They mainly eat insects, berries, and fruits. Mockingbirds forage in open areas on the ground or in vegetation. They are often seen boldly walking on lawns and paved areas looking for insects.
The Gray Catbird tends to forage in dense shrubbery out of sight, true to its name. It also eats fruits and berries.
Nesting
Northern Mockingbirds breed in Louisiana from March to August with a peak in April-June. They build an open cup nest low in trees or shrubs. The female lays 3-5 eggs which hatch in 11-14 days. Both parents feed the young which leave the nest at 10-14 days old.
Tropical and Long-tailed Mockingbirds nest in a similar manner. Gray Catbirds nest in dense shrubs, laying 3-4 eggs. Northern Mockingbirds typically raise 2-3 broods per season.
Fun Facts
- Mockingbirds got their name from their ability to mimic sounds. They can learn over 200 different songs and calls.
- Male mockingbirds sing through the night under bright lights to impress females. This led to them being called “nightingales” in some areas.
- Mockingbirds are bold enough to dive bomb and peck people who get too close to their nest.
- The Northern Mockingbird was made the state bird of Louisiana in 1927 due to its popularity among residents.
- The Gray Catbird got its name from its cat-like mewing call.
Mockingbird Watching Tips
- Look and listen for mockingbirds singing on fences, rooftops, poles or other exposed perches.
- Watch for wing flashes as they take flight, revealing the white patches.
- Use their song to locate and observe them as they often sing from hidden spots in foliage.
- To bring them in close, try pishing sounds or squeaking a bird call app from your phone.
- Offer fruit in your yard to attract catbirds and other mockingbirds to observe.
Conclusion
Northern Mockingbirds and other species are a common backyard sight across Louisiana. Their loud, melodious songs are a regular day and nighttime serenade for residents. Mockingbirds are bold, curious and highly entertaining to observe. Listening and identifying the regional mockingbirds is a fun way to study your local bird life.
