Student Theses
Date of Award
Winter 1-1-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
Language
English
First Advisor
David Lahti
Abstract
The northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is known for its large repertoire and highly versatile song patterns. It is a frequent mimic that is thought to continue learning sounds from its environment for the duration of its life. Utilizing available song studies, this is a comprehensive review of northern mockingbird song, including learning, mimicry, repertoires, song dependence on seasonal cyclicity, and song function, particularly interspecific territoriality. While much discussion has surrounded the idea that northern mockingbirds engage in interspecific territoriality and that vocal mimicry functions in intersexual selection, this review provides new insight into the possibility that latitudinal differences among populations dependent on climatic variation may lead to different song behaviors. Song in the northern mockingbird might be multipurpose as opposed to being shaped by just one selective force. This review collects and organizes what is known about northern mockingbird song, and also identifies gaps in knowledge, outlining fruitful areas for future research.
Recommended Citation
Milander, Jacqueline, "A Review of Mockingbird Song" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/qc_etds/26
Included in
Biology Commons, Evolution Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Population Biology Commons
