The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a common songbird found across much of North America, known for its adaptability and vocal mimicry. This species is classified as an omnivore, meaning its diet is flexible and changes significantly throughout the year based on resource availability. This variation, from animal matter to plant matter, allows the mockingbird to thrive in diverse environments, including suburban and urban areas.
The Arthropod and Invertebrate Diet
The most substantial part of the mockingbird’s diet, particularly during the warmer months, consists of animal matter, supplying the protein and fats necessary for energy and reproduction. This high-protein diet is vital during the breeding season for feeding fast-growing nestlings. Mockingbirds actively hunt a wide array of invertebrates, including ground-dwelling items like earthworms, spiders, and caterpillars. They also consume insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, ants, and beetles. In some southern regions, they have even been documented preying on small vertebrates like anole lizards.
Seasonal Importance of Fruits and Berries
As the seasons transition from late summer into winter, the mockingbird’s food preference shifts toward plant-based sources due to the scarcity of insects. Fruits and berries become the primary source of carbohydrates and water, sustaining the birds through colder periods. They consume a variety of wild fruits, including mulberries, dogwood berries, elderberries, and the fruits of the multiflora rose. The ingestion of these fruits makes the mockingbird an effective seed disperser, as the seeds pass through their digestive system intact and are deposited away from the parent plant.
Specialized Foraging Techniques
Mockingbirds employ several distinctive behaviors to secure their varied diet, frequently foraging on the ground in open, grassy areas. They often use a characteristic run-and-hop movement across lawns to flush out and capture invertebrates. The most unique foraging method is the ‘wing-flashing’ display, where the bird abruptly raises and lowers its wings, exposing the white patches. One theory suggests this sudden flash startles insects hiding in the grass or leaf litter, causing them to move and reveal their location. Other hypotheses propose the behavior functions to confuse potential predators or serve as a territorial signal.
Human Food and Feeding Safety
While mockingbirds are not frequent visitors to traditional seed feeders, they will occasionally accept supplemental foods, especially during poor weather or when natural food sources are limited. Offering items like suet, mealworms, or small amounts of fresh, chopped fruit, such as apples or oranges, can provide beneficial fat and nutrients. Avoid providing processed human foods like bread, salty snacks, or sugary items, as these offer little nutritional value and can be harmful. Always ensure that any supplemental food is accompanied by a source of clean, fresh water.