Birdsong is arguably one of the most enjoyable signs of spring. Even more impressive is vocal diversity of the mimics – birds that incorporate the vocalizations of other species into their own vocal repertoire. An estimated 20% of all songbird species perform vocal mimicry.

Ornithologists have identified different reasons why some species perform vocal mimicry. In some species, mimics with larger vocal repertoires have greater reproductive success. Other species use mimicry to recruit their neighbors to help ward off predators. Perhaps this is why jays frequently mimic hawks.

Some mimics, especially those that live near people, will also incorporate non-avian sounds into their songs. It’s fun to listen to the vocal repertoire of European Starlings and Northern Mockingbirds for the non-avian sounds they imitate. Observers have noted these species imitating squeaky gates, the ringing of cell phones, and other urban sounds. The mockingbird pictured here sings in my backyard and frequently imitates a police siren!

Photo © William C. Webb