H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

Sometimes I read or hear stories of how aggressive the Northern Mockingbirds are. Contrary to those comments I believe that I’d like to have these birds in my backyard at all times. Why? Because they are very beneficial to the local (my backyard) bird community.

I’ve had mockingbirds in my backyard since I moved to my new house. I’ve been observing their behavior for some time and I’ve noticed how much they do in order to protect what they consider “their territory”.

The community of local birds, consisting of a variety of songbirds are under the mockingbird’s protection. The transient birds or the outsiders that irrupt the area will definitely be confronted by the mockingbirds on guard.

They can also put order at the feeders area. Like with Mourning Doves that take possession of the feeder and do not allow smaller birds to eat. That goes for the Brown-headed Cowbirds too! And so on, there are other species on that list of misbehaving birds

Confronting Mourning Dove for not allowing small birds to eat.

Female Brown-headed Cowbird offered aggressive behavior

Result of confrontation was immediate fight.

Mockingbird didn’t like idea of crow taking a twig from his territory

Crow took the twig anyway

Mockingbird jumps on the crow and then chased him out

Text and photographs © H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101