Mockingbird Virtuoso in Derry

[Fran Keenan]

Lately, we have been treated to a talented mockingbird’s repertoire in our neighborhood. I have used Merlin to identify the species it imitates. Just this morning it covered the following:

Northern Cardinal
Song Sparrow
Carolina Wren
Tree Swallow
Tufted Titmouse
Eastern Phoebe
Northern Flicker
Bank Swallow (!) and
Bald Eagle

Two days ago, it included these:

Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-Winged Blackbird
Blue Jay
Pileated Woodpecker

I wonder how long it takes a mockingbird to learn another species’ song and what, if any, evolutionary advantage this behavior provides. Also, has anyone ever tagged a mockingbird to see its range and know where it is hearing what it imitates?

Fran Keenan
Derry