mockingbird

views updated Jun 11 2018

mock·ing·bird / ˈmäkingˌbərd/ • n. a long-tailed thrushlike songbird (Mimus and other genera) with grayish plumage, found mainly in tropical America and noted for its mimicry of the calls and songs of other birds. Its several species include the North American northern mockingbird (M. polyglottos). The mockingbird family (Mimidae) also includes the catbirds, thrashers, and tremblers.

mockingbird

views updated May 21 2018

mockingbird Any of a group of New World birds, known for imitating other birds. The common mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) of the USA is c.27cm (11in) long, ashy above with brownish wings and tail marked with white. Family Mimidae.