NATURE NOTE – Number 94                                                                              June 14, 2024

Introduction:

It’s difficult sometimes to focus on one single species of bird, because there may be other species that are close in appearance that need to be sorted out before you can discuss one specific bird.  As before, I’m going to focus this NN on a group that is not similar in appearance and a little confusing as to the name of the group, but all three species in the group (family Mimidae) can be easy to find and identify over the summer.   So let’s look at …

Our Current Topic:  Mimic thrushes

First, these are not thrushes at all.  We will briefly discuss thrushes below.  They are called this because they have ability to mimic other bird song and calls.  The three we can find in the BRMC are:

The Northern Mocking Bird.  This is the most common of the three and is easily recognized by its robin-size, grey color, easily seen white wing bars, and large flashes of white on its wings and outer tail when in flight.  It is frequently seen in yard environments as well as sitting on a roof peak, utility pole, or other high point just singing away – at most any time of day or night.  It’s singing, tied to the mating process, is often loud, long, and varied. Their melodies are usually repeated over and over from their high perch.   It has the ability to mimic sounds of other birds and animals as well as some mechanical sounds such as squeaks.  It is not a bird of the forest, but seeks parks, gardens, yards and other open area with vegetation nearby.  They are permanent residents in our area.  One of their most interesting characteristics is its ability to attack almost any perceived predator: hawk, cat, snake or human.  It will quickly summon other birds to the site of the threat so that all participants can all help mob the intruder.  Their intelligence not only allows them to mimic other animals, but they seem to return to nesting sites that have proved successful in the past. 

The Grey Catbird is a close cousin that also is grey, but a solid dark-grey with a black cap on its head and a rusty spot under its tail.  This last point is often hard to see unless you are underneath the bird.  It is about the size of a cardinal, but very sleek looking.  Often somewhat elusive as it hops around in briar patches, fence rows, and overgrown areas searching for insects or berries.  Seldom on the ground or high in a tree, these birds are very “watchable” with a little patience.  They are not afraid of humans and often build their nest in close proximity to a house.   They too can be quite aggressive towards perceived predators.  Their name comes from their ability to “meow” like a cat, as well as making a wide variety of songs and sounds, often in a lengthy performance, from the undergrowth.  Of note however, if the fact they cat birds don’t repeat their song.  Each outburst is different from the previous.  They are widespread east of the Rockies and in our area, migratory.  However, along the coast they can be winter residents.  Their nests are built close to the ground in dense thickets.

A personal observation of mine is that if you have either a mocking bird or catbird frequenting your yard, it is likely the other species will be missing.  They seem to share similar environments but respect each other’s territory.   The other bird may be down the street somewhere, but not in your yard.

The third member of this group is the Brown Thrasher.   This bird is larger than a robin, and longer, especially the tail, and a rusty brown color with a white belly spotted with distinct brown dots.  The bill is long and somewhat curved. If you can see the eyes, they are yellow, and a dead giveaway to this species.  This is a ground bird often heard before seen as loudly scratches in leaves under a row of bushes or along a forest edge searching for insects and grubs among the litter (“thrashing” around).  It is quick to scurry off when it senses danger.  Its song is often a series of loud phrases repeated a couple of times.  It doesn’t mimic other birds like the mockingbird or catbird.

Now back to thrushes. These are not closely related to the mimic thrushes above.  We have several species in our area, and they are sometimes difficult to sort out as to species.  So for beginners, it may be best to just lump them into the “thrush” category unless you can get a really good sighting and know what to look for.  The species in our area are the Wood Thrush (the most common), the Hermit Thrush, and the Veery.  All of these birds are brown with spots on their breast, but color and spots vary among the species.  They are robin shaped, but a bit smaller.  They are forest birds most often seen in the lower branches of shrubs or on the forest floor.  Their song is quite pleasant and can help in identification.  If you want to pursue looking for this group, study the species listed above in a good field guide or app and learn what the keys to identification are.

Opportunities:

As I said earlier, these three birds are common in our area and should be reasonably able to find.  A good way to start calling attention to scouts about nature.  Once you get these three down, you are on your way to the identification needed for Nature Merit Badge and you only need 17 more species for Bird Study Merit Badge!!  Not a stretch at all over the summer as long as you LOOK. Good luck.  I hope NATURE NOTES helps some as you look for these three common birds.

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Bob Garst