Mimus gundlachii
The Bahama Mockingbird, *Mimus gundlachii*, is a large and robust member of the Mimidae family, typically measuring 28-33 cm (11-13 in) in length with a wingspan of 36-40 cm (14-16 in) and weighing 60-70 grams. Its upperparts are a plain grayish-brown, contrasting with a whitish belly and faintly streaked flanks and breast. Key identification marks include a prominent dark loral mask, a strong white supercilium, and a long, dark tail broadly tipped with white on the outer feathers, especially...
This species primarily inhabits dry scrubland, coppice, and pine woodlands, particularly favoring areas with dense undergrowth or thorny thickets. It can also be found in cultivated areas, gardens, and coastal lowlands, generally at low elevations.
Omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects (e.g., grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars) and other invertebrates, supplemented by a significant amount of fruits and berries, especially during certain seasons. Occasionally, small lizards or anoles are consumed.
Bahama Mockingbirds are diurnal, actively foraging throughout the day, often dashing on the ground after insects or gleaning invertebrates from vegetation and consuming ripe fruits in trees. They are highly territorial, especially during the breeding season, with males perching conspicuously to d...
The Bahama Mockingbird is principally a resident species throughout the Bahamas and Cuba, and also occurs in the Caicos Islands. Its distribution is divided between two subspecies: *M. g. gundlachii*, found in Cuba, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, New Providence, Cat Island, and Exuma; an...
Least Concern
- The Bahama Mockingbird was named after John Gundlach, a German naturalist who extensively studied the fauna of Cuba, where the bird is also common. - Despite its family name, its mimicry abilities are less pronounced and less celebrated than those of the widely known Northern Mockingbird, offer...