Long-tailed mockingbird | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Passeriformes |
Family: | Mimidae |
Genus: | Mimus |
Species: | M. longicaudatus |
Binomial name | |
Mimus longicaudatus Tschudi, 1844 |
The long-tailed mockingbird (Mimus longicaudatus) is a species of bird in the Mimidae family. It is found in dry scrubland and woodland in western Ecuador and Peru (north of Camaná).
The bird favours open habitats with scattered low bushes and shrubs, such as forest edge and young second growth, montane scrub.
It is frequently found in gardens and parks. It often feeds on the ground, running forwards on relatively long legs.
An attractive, thrush-like bird, the long-tailed mockingbird has a long, elegant tail which it carries at a pert angle whilst on the ground. Its plumage is made up of grey, cappuccino, and dun coloured feathers. The outer tail feathers are broadly tipped white. Its face has been described as harlequin patterned. The juvenile is duller, with a dark iris, and is spotted or streaked on underparts.
The voice of the long-tailed mockingbird is "a fairly slow-paced series of variable rich whistled notes, churrs, rattles, squawks, and other noises, often with phrases repeated. Calls a throaty "garr!" and rapsing "gaawrr".
Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru
Long-tailed Mockingbird at a park in Lima, Peru