We are all familiar with the diversity of a Mockingbirds’ song, but why do they sing during certain winter months as well?

Most males will sing from February through late summer when their normal territories begin to break down. Both the male and the female will sing again in the fall maybe as they establish their individual winter territories. These they will defend vigorously against other fruit eating birds, such as American Robins and Cedar Waxwings because the food supply within their winter territory is to keep them alive during the colder winter months.

Despite their somewhat aggressive behavior, Northern Mockingbirds are fascinating birds to watch and have on your property. To keep them around it’s best to have some open grass and an abundant supply of berry producing shrubs to keep them happy.

Simon Thompson has lived in WNC for the past 20 years. He owns and operates his own birding tour company, Ventures Birding Tours. WWW.birdventures.com

He and Chris Jaquette also own and operate the Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited Store. For more information on any of the birding activities in the area, drop by the store or check his website at www.asheville.wbu.com