The tropical mockingbird is a resident breeding bird from southern Mexico to northern and eastern South America and in the Lesser Antilles and other Caribbean islands.
Region
Central America, Caribbean, and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America into northern and eastern South America, and widely across the Lesser Antilles and other Caribbean islands. It favors open and semi-open habitats such as scrub, savannas, coastal thickets, and disturbed areas. It is common in urban parks, gardens, and farmland edges. Avoids dense interior rainforest but uses forest edges and secondary growth. On islands it often expands quickly in human-modified environments.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skilled mimic, the tropical mockingbird weaves phrases from many other birds into long, varied songs. It adapts readily to human-altered landscapes, thriving in towns, gardens, and agricultural areas. Adults defend territories vigorously and often perform conspicuous wing-flashing while foraging.
Asa Wright Nature Centre - Trinidad
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; low, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that defend territories year-round. Nests are open cups placed in shrubs or low trees, often with thorny protection. Pairs may raise multiple broods in favorable conditions.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, varied sequences of whistles, trills, and harsh notes delivered from exposed perches, often for long periods. Frequently incorporates imitations of other bird species and environmental sounds.
Plumage
Smooth gray to brownish-gray upperparts with paler gray to whitish underparts; long tail with contrasting white outer feathers and prominent white wing patches visible in flight.
Diet
Eats a mix of insects and other arthropods (beetles, ants, grasshoppers, caterpillars) along with fruits and berries. Will take nectar occasionally and may sample human food scraps in urban areas. Forages by hopping on the ground and gleaning from low vegetation, often using wing-flashing to flush prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open scrub, hedgerows, suburban gardens, orchards, and edges of woodland or mangroves. Common along roadsides, pastures, and coastal thickets where fruiting shrubs are available.
