How to Attract Mockingbirds to your Yard? (Expert Tips)

When it comes to attract Mockingbirds to your yard, you must understand what these birds want, what their food preferences are, and where to find them. I’ll tell you all about these things below so that you can enjoy the sights and sounds of these lovely birds.

Identification

The Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized songbird. It has grayish-brown plumage on the upper parts with white wing bars on each wing, and white underparts, with black eyes.

• Length: 7.9-10.0 in (20-25.5 cm)
• Weight: 1.59-2.1 oz (45-60 g)
• Wingspan: 11.8-13.8 in (30-35 cm)

Range and Habitat

Northern Mockingbirds can be found on a variety of different landscapes from coastlines to mountainsides to plains, with their range varying according to habitat. 

In the wild, they prefer open habitats and can spend much of its time flitting from one tree to another. They are found all over the world in various environments and are frequently seen in urban areas. They can be found around bird feeders and bird baths, and at bird sanctuaries. 

It is commonly seen in the warmer parts of Florida and other Southwestern states. Mockingbirds can be found throughout the United States. However, their distribution varies by season and geographical area.

The largest concentration can be found in the Atlantic Flyway. These birds are often seen nesting on the beaches during the spring. This migration takes them into the southern part of the United States including Texas, California, Maryland, and Virginia.

The Northern Mockingbirds do have some migratory habits, however. When the season ends, they will migrate southward and eastward.

During winter, migration birds will stay close to their breeding areas and wait until the weather is right for them to return. For this reason, migratory Mockingbirds tend to mate with other Mockingbirds that live in proximity to their breeding grounds.

Unique Sounds

They are widely known for their habit of mimicking other birds’ songs and the sounds of frogs and insects, most commonly loudly and in succession.

This particular species is very noisy at night, making a sort of song called a “chirp” or a “roo.” Most people think that their song is caused by some kind of predator, but it really is not.

They do not make a sound because they are being threatened or frightened, they make a sound because they are attracted by their food sources. Although their song is often mistaken for a cricket, it is not a cricket.

Food Preferences

Northern Mockingbirds love eating grape jelly, mealworms, caterpillers, seeds, especially sunflower seeds. You’ll find that their favorite food choices will be sunflower seeds and sunflowers.

You can easily get them to your yard by placing several sunflowers in strategic places. This will give you a natural way to attract these birds to your yard.

Get a Birdhouse

The next thing you want to do is locate birdhouses in your yard. There are several types of bird houses, including wood and wire bird houses. A wood birdhouse will probably be the best choice, but you can also purchase birdhouses made out of metal.

One of the easiest ways is to place food near your birdhouse. Place the food outside on top of bird feeders or even in bird baths. You can even put these on trees and bushes, if you do not have a house nearby.

Hanging Bird Feeder

In addition to birdhouses you can also use other types of structures to attract these birds to your yard. One of the most popular is the hanging bird feeder.

These will not only attract the mockingbirds, they will also attract many other types of birds as well. One of the best ways is by setting up feeders with suet or seed where they can go to eat.

Try placing them near bushes or trees so that they can get down to the ground and look around. The most common type of feeder is going to be made from metal or wood, which allows it to be strong enough to stand up to the weather.

One of the top products on the market is the EZ Fill Suet Basket. You can find it on Amazon. This type of feeder is excellent because it prevents squirrels from eating all their food. You can get the Fruit Berry & Nut Suet Cake refills also on Amazon.

Install Perches

If you choose to hang a bird feeder outside in your yard, make sure that it has at least two perches. They will often take advantage of large open areas that may have an abundance of trees and bushes nearby to perch.

Another factor you will need to keep in mind when setting up a bird house is the shape of the structure. You want the structure to provide protection from predators while also providing for easy access to feeding areas. You will also need a large enough opening for them to move around freely.

Bird Feeding Station

Mockingbirds love the sounds and sights of the city, so you will want to set up a few bird watching stands in and around your yard. These will attract them because of the bird’s noise, and sight, which will draw them right into your yard.

If you decide to use plants to attract these birds, you will also want to place one or more of these on the ground, close to your birdhouse. You can also create a small feeding area, if you want.

Get A Birdbath

Other items that you will find beneficial in attracting these birds include twigs, leaves, and branches that have been cut off trees or bushes. These can also be placed near your bird house or bird feeders. A birdbath can be placed in a tree, in the yard, or even near a tree branch in the house.

Mockingbirds need water to survive and thrive in their gardens. One of the most popular ways to get them to your yard is to have an abundant supply of water near your garden. This will help to make the feeding site an attraction for birds.

Attracting them with Plants

A great way to get them into your yard is by planting trees and plants. Some of their favorites are grapes, mulberries, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, hack berry, Virginia creeper, holly, dogwood and brambles.

Frequently Asked Questions