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	No Photo Available Mimics are medium-sized birds known for their habit of expertly imitating other bird songs. They have long, rounded tails; slender, decurved bills; short wings; and are usually gray or brown. Songs are loud and repetitous. They make their home in thickets, along fencerows, and in residential gardens. The diet consists of berries and insects. Traditionally the mockingbird was a bird south of the magnolias, but after farmers began planting multiflora rose hedges many became year-round Ohio residents. Severe winters, however, are hard on Northern "mockers." They are now considered uncommon to fairly common residents. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos At-a-Glance • Peak Breeding Activity: spring and early summer • Incubation: 11-14 days • Clutch Size: 2-6 eggs • Young Fledge: 10-12 days after hatching • Typical Foods: insects, berries, and seeds Description This bird is gray above and white on the breast, with the long tail and wings a darker gray. In flight, large white wing patches are apparent. Habitat and Habits The Northern mockingbird is often found in suburbia and prefers open areas interspersed with shrubs and thickets. The song is a series of musical and grating sounds, often repeated several times. It is capable of retaining and reproducing up to 200 different sounds, and the subjects that they mimic can be quite diverse. In addition to offering up amazingly accurate reproductions of all types of birds, mockingbirds will even imitate truck backup beeps, sirens, and people's whistles. They frequently sing at night. Reproduction and Care of the Young A bulky cup of twigs and weed stems placed in a shrub or low tree is the nest. Both parents care for the young.