Conservation Status

The Cozumel thrasher and the Socorro mockingbird, both residents of Mexico, are on the Critically Endangered list, facing an extremely high risk of extinction. The Socorro mockingbird lives on a small island off the coast of Mexico, where the birds' numbers are dwindling due to predatory cats and grazing sheep overtaking their habitat. The Charles mockingbird, another island-dweller, is classified as Endangered, facing a very high risk of extinction, due to predators, as is the white-breasted thrasher. The population of the white-breasted thrasher is also declining due to habitat loss along with the black catbird, which is considered Near Threatened, in danger of becoming threatened with extinction. Finally, the Hood mockingbird is classified as Vulnerable, facing a high risk of extinction, due to its small population and limited range.


An amazing mimic, the mockingbird is able to imitate the songs of dozens of other bird species and incorporate them into his own call. They also mimic natural sounds around them, such as the croak of a frog or the chirp of a cricket. And mockingbirds kept as pets can repeat human and household noises, such as the ringing of a phone. The birds were popular pets in the nineteenth century. President Thomas Jefferson had one that he reportedly let fly around the White House on occasion.

Resident Breeding Nonbreeding

Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)

Resident Breeding Nonbreeding

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