White-banded Mockingbird

Overview

The white-banded mockingbird (Mimus triurus) is a species of bird in the family Mimidae, primarily breeding in central Argentina but found across several South American countries. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its status may be more precarious in northern areas.

Identification

• Length of 20 to 23.5 cm, with males slightly larger than females.
• Greyish crown, white supercilium, and a blackish eye line, with speckled cheeks.
• Smoky grey upperparts blending to reddish cinnamon on the rump.
• Central tail is black with white outer feathers, and the folded wing shows a broad white band.
• A superlative songster that produces a long, loud stream of melodic notes and is an excellent mimic.

Habitat

The white-banded mockingbird inhabits low woodlands, savanna, open brushy country, steppe, and areas around human habitations. It mostly occurs below 500 m elevation but breeds as high as 2,600 m in northern Argentina and reaches higher altitudes as a non-breeder in Bolivia and Chile.

Diet

The white-banded mockingbird is believed to be primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, but little is known about its diet at other times.

Did you know?

The white-banded mockingbird is described as a "superlative songster, the most outstanding of genus," producing long, loud streams of melodic notes and phrases while being an excellent mimic.