Northern Mocking - On Base Manuevers

Crow hazed by a Northern Mockingbird and Barn Swallow

The most visible land birds this trip to Point Mugu in mid-June have been Mourning Dove, American Crow, and Northern Mockingbird - quite different than in early-January. I also spotted Barn Swallows and hummingbirds, but don't know what species. It was interesting that when the crows fly, they are attacked in flight by the mockingbirds, and even the swallows - even by the two at the same time. It gave for a good aerobatics display - apropos for Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. When not in flight, on the the birds sat at the top of a tree and did some vocalizations. The Audubon description for the Northern Mockingbird reports: This bird's beautiful song is richest on warm, moonlit nights in spring, when the bird may spend hours giving amazing imitations of other

Northern Mockingbird

species. The songs of 36 other species were recognized from the recording of one mockingbird in Massachusetts. Birds in the western part of the species' range have less musical songs and are less imitative. Mockingbirds are strongly territorial and, like a number of other birds, will attack their reflection in a window, hubcap, or mirror, at times with such vigor that they injure or kill themselves. At mating time, the male Northern Mockingbird becomes increasingly exuberant, flashing his wings as he flies up in an aerial display, or singing while flying from one song post to another. After breeding, each parent establishes and vigorously defends its own winter territory. Mockingbirds require open grassy areas for their feeding; thick, thorny, or coniferous shrubs for hiding the nest; and high perches where the male can sing and defend his territory.