The Mockingbird that visits my backyard has become a major menace! He has been bullying the Bluebirds mercilessly. He flies from one perch…
….to another…
…to another…
…aggressively patrolling the area, just waiting for a Bluebird to trespass into “his” territory.
It’s funny, he doesn’t care if a Brown Creeper stops in…
…or a Pine Warbler…
…or a Purple Finch…
…but there are absolutely no Bluebirds allowed!
But, there is indeed strength in numbers, and the Bluebirds have developed a bit of a strategy. When one gets chased away, the others quickly drop down and grab a bite to eat.
Whenever the Mockingbird leaves the area for awhile, the Bluebirds return, but you can tell they are being extra cautious, always glancing around to make sure the coast is clear!
The only other bird that I’ve seen the Mockingbird chase away is the sweet, peace-loving Hermit Thrush, who doesn’t bother anybody! Well, anybody but the Mockingbird, I guess!
You know, I aim to have an “all are welcome” to the backyard buffet policy, but if this fella below keeps up his bad-bird behavior…
…well, I think I’m gonna have to call in a favor from one of the neighborhood Hawks! So, if you don’t see him featured in any future posts, you’ll know what happened!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Interesting that he seems to have a dislike for members of the thrush family… does he chase robins, too?
We don’t have many Robins in the backyard…hmmm…maybe that’s why!!
The mockingbird isn’t menacing the bluejays—it’s just being a mockingbird. This is natural behaviour, and you’re getting a front-row seat to how birds interact. Enjoy the show!
….it’s being a mockingbird by menacing the bluebirds, but it is still menacing behaviour.
It’s interesting how we often describe animal behaviour using human terms like ‘menacing’ or ‘bullying.’ But for the mockingbird, this isn’t about malice—it’s just instinct. It makes me wonder how much of what we see in nature is shaped by our own human biases and perspectives.
You are absolutely right about the mockingbird just acting on its instincts. And truth be told, I love this fella. Taking the liberty of being an anthropomorphic author just makes the blog writing fun.
how true…it’s part of our nature as a species to anthropomorphize other species. You’re getting a front row seat. Sit back. Enjoy the show!
I always call my mockingbird the mayor of my backyard! He keeps balance in his territory!
“Mayor Mockingbird” – I like it!
So neat captures! 👏
Thank you!