Many people hear birds singing loudly at night and wonder what kind of bird it is. The most common culprit for noisy nighttime birdsong is the Northern Mockingbird. Mockingbirds get their name from their ability to mimic the songs of other birds, but they also sing a lot at night, especially during breeding season.
What Makes Mockingbirds Sing at Night?
Mockingbirds are known for their loud, complex songs, which they sing throughout the day and night. Here are some key reasons why mockingbirds sing so loudly at night:
Attracting Mates
Male mockingbirds sing at night during breeding season to attract female mockingbirds. Their songs demonstrate their fitness as mates. Singing all night shows their endurance and health.
Establishing Territory
Mockingbirds sing to establish and defend their territories. Their nighttime singing lets other mockingbirds know the boundaries of their turf. It also helps scare away potential intruders.
Background Noise
Since there is less background noise at night, the mockingbirds’ songs can be heard over greater distances. This allows them to communicate with potential mates and rivals further away.
Insomnia
Some experts think that mockingbirds may suffer from insomnia or night waking, leading them to be more active and vocal at night. Their nearly constant singing may be a result of difficulty sleeping.
When Do Mockingbirds Sing at Night?
Northern Mockingbirds’ nighttime singing is most prominent:
During Breeding Season
The peak breeding season for mockingbirds is spring and early summer. This is when their night singing is more frequent as males try to attract mates.
During a Full Moon
There seems to be a correlation between night singing in mockingbirds and the presence of a full moon. The extra light may encourage them to be active at night.
In Urban Areas
Mockingbirds in urban environments sing more at night than those in rural areas. Increased night lighting and more limited habitat may cause increased nighttime activity.
In Warm Weather
Mockingbirds sing more on warmer spring and summer nights, especially when the temperature remains above 55°F. Cooler fall and winter nights produce less nighttime vocalizations.
Mockingbird Song
The mockingbird’s song is one of the most complex in the animal kingdom. Here are some of its characteristics:
Mimicry
Mockingbirds can mimic the sounds of over 30 other bird species. They also copy frogs, insects, and artificial sounds like car alarms. Their ability to mimic helps enlarge their repertoire.
Volume
Mockingbird song can reach up to 95 decibels, equivalent to an airplane taking off. This allows their night singing to be audible over long distances.
Persistence
A single male mockingbird may sing nonstop for hours at a time, even repeating one song up to 40 times in a row. Their endurance and persistence help attract mates.
Varied Song Types
Mockingbirds have a varied repertoire with at least 10 basic song types used in different situations. Singing a wide range of songs shows off their vocal talent.
Regional Dialects
Different mockingbird populations have distinct dialects. Their songs vary geographically, with mockingbirds in one area singing differently than those in other parts of the country.
Mockingbird or Other Bird?
While mockingbirds are the most likely nighttime singers, other birds can also sometimes be responsible:
European Starling
Like mockingbirds, European starlings are prolific mimics. They often sing at night between spring and fall. Their songs incorporate whistles, clicks, and squeaks.
American Robin
Robins sing beautiful flute-like songs in the evening through the night during breeding season. Their night singing often peaks around dawn.
Northern Cardinal
Cardinals mark their territory all year long with loud chirps and songs. Night singing by males peaks during late winter and early spring.
Western Meadowlark
These birds produce loud, intricate warbling songs at night during the spring and summer across western North America.
Common Nighthawk
Despite their name, nighthawks are not hawks and are most active at dawn and dusk. In summer, males make a loud “peent” call at night to attract mates.
Dealing with a Noisy Mockingbird
Loud mockingbird night singing can disrupt sleep. Here are some tips for dealing with a noisy mockingbird in your yard:
Identify the Culprit
Verify that a mockingbird is the source of the nighttime noise before taking action. Listen for mimicked songs and repeated melodies.
Inspect Your Yard
Look for mockingbird nests or fledglings. Mockingbirds may sing at night to protect their young. Trimming trees or bushes near their nest may reduce noise.
Use White Noise
Try running a fan, sound machine, or white noise app to mask the mockingbird’s songs. Earplugs are another option for blocking out the noise.
Close Windows
Keep windows closed at night in the rooms facing the yard where the mockingbird sings. Windows block and muffle some of the sound.
Deter with Light
Install a motion-activated light near the mockingbird’s perch. Turning the light on may briefly disturb it and discourage night singing.
Remove Food Sources
Mockingbirds often sing near feeders. Take down bird feeders at night to reduce activity near the house.
Use Reflective Deterrents
Hang aluminium pie pans, reflective tape, or old CDs near the bird’s perch. The reflected light may help scare it away.
Landscape Modification
Prune dense bushes used by mockingbirds as singing perches. Place thorny plants like rose bushes below popular perches to make them less desirable.
Avoid Harming the Birds
Remember that mockingbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Never use poisons, glue traps, or other illegal methods to get rid of them.
Conclusion
The Northern Mockingbird is well known as one of the loudest and most persistent night singers. During breeding season, male mockingbirds sing through the night to establish territory and attract mates. Their loud, complex songs incorporate mimicry of other birds and repetition of phrases. Mockingbird night singing peaks in spring but can occur year-round in warmer climates. While their after-dark vocalizations can disrupt sleep, there are several harmless methods for discouraging them from disturbing your yard. Identifying the species, modifying landscaping, and using deterrents can help reduce unwanted mockingbird night singing. With some simple tweaks, you can make your yard less inviting to loud nighttime songsters.
