Kids' Corner — Sacramento Audubon Society

Gesna Clarke

Northern Mockingbird – The Great Imitator

Did you know that a bird can imitate the sounds of other birds?

Although many species of bird imitate other birds, the Northern Mockingbird is the best known in North America for doing it. It can learn up to as many as 200 sounds. It imitates not only birds but also other animals and mechanical sounds such as a car alarm and lawn  mowers, a gate opening. Scientist cannot say for certain why  mockingbirds mimic the sounds of birds, other animals, or objects. Click here for a sample of some of the sounds you may hear.

 

Why do mockingbirds sing through the night?

In addition to being good mimics, mockingbirds are also some of the loudest and most constantly vocal of birds. They often sing through the night, or when the moon is full. Do you ever wonder why the mockingbird sings at night when most birds sleep? Wouldn’t you think that the  bird would be announcing his exact location to every cat on the block? Doesn’t the volume generated by the cacophony of loud sounds from the bird’s diaphragm and breast muscles take a lot of energy and rob the mockingbird of energy it needs to hunt for food for himself and his family? Some research has discovered that a  “sonic sparring” is happening between principalities within a neighborhood, each of which produces their food and provides the shelter they need forever. So the next time you are awakened in the early morning hours by a chorus of non-stop songs from a male mockingbird, remember it may not only be to attract a mate, but to protect its turf!

Fun Facts About Hummingbirds

Q: Have you ever wondered what a hummingbird’s colorful patch of throat feathers is called?

A: The feathers are called a “gorget” (pronounced gor-git). The term comes from a period when a knight-in-armor wore a metallic collar – or gorget to protect his throat. The gorget is found on many males, particularly those found in North America, and they are iridescent. 

Hummingbird at Fountain 2.JPG

Q: What fountains do hummingbirds prefer?

A: Hummingbirds prefer places that are easy for them to perch and take advantage of the water. Fountains with small bubblers and rough textures such as slate slabs. These are best options because they give the birds plenty of space to access the water where they feel safe and comfortable.

Hummingbirds also love to drink from water hoses.

Hummingbird with hose2.JPG
Hummingbird with Hose.JPG

Q: How can I attract more hummingbirds to my backyard?

A: Grow native plants that have lots of nectar to attract these energetic birds. Nectar is a sweet, liquid substance produced by the flowers of plants.  It is made in glands of the plants called nectaries. Hummingbirds need this  sweet (sugar) solution to fuel their high energy lifestyle. Did you know that they flap their wings around 60 times per second, have hearts that beat on average 1,200 times per minute, and stick their tongue in and out of a feeder 13 times per second?

A common trait that many nectar producing plants have is that they are long and tubular. Examples include red columbine, bee balm, trumpet honeysuckle, cardinal flower, and red buckeye. Insects have a hard time reaching the nectars in these types of flowers; but hummingbirds with their long beaks and tongues, are perfectly adapted.

Q: How long do hummingbirds live?

A: Depending on the species hummingbirds live on average 3 to 5 years; but have been known to live up to 12 years.

Anna’s Hummingbird on Nest by Larry Hickey

Anna’s Hummingbird on Nest by Larry Hickey

Q: What do hummingbirds make their nests out of ?

A: Common items used to build hummingbird nests includes spider silk/ webs, lichens, moss, bark fragments, leaves, feathers, fur, and plant fibers.

Planting a Seed

Northern Flicker, William Pond Recreation Area by Gesna Clarke

Northern Flicker, William Pond Recreation Area by Gesna Clarke

Planting seeds in kids to recognize, respect and appreciate nature begins at an early age and in your own backyard. Kids are naturally curious; so what better place than the backyard to start a conversation about birds and ways to create and maintain a healthy and safe environment for local birds who consider your yard their home or birds who drop by during seasonal migration.

Prepare a birding tool kit that includes binoculars, pencils, note and sketch pads, and  birding field or activity guide to help your kids get started.

Below are a few recommended field and activity guides for kids of different ages.

Help your kids learn to respect birds and their habitat. One example is by modeling how to quietly observe a bird’s behavior from a distance, so the bird is not frightened and flies away.

Work with your kids and explore ways to support birds who live in or stopover at your backyard.   

  • Build a birdhouse or bird feeder

  • Identify a corner in the yard to start a kids’ native plant garden. The garden will attract more birds to the yard

  • Build a DIY water source in one or two locations in your backyard.

What other things can you and your kids do to create a bird friendly community in your own backyard? Put on your thinking cap and start planting those seeds to introduce your kids to the wonderful world of birding!