Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus Scientific name definitions

The Long-tailed Mockingbird is largely restricted to the Pacific coast of South America, where it is found from western Ecuador south to western Peru. The species has also been reported, perhaps erroneously from northernmost Chile. There is also a somewhat anomalous population in the upper Marañón Valley of northwest Peru, although it differs little in plumage from other populations. This species forms a superspecies with another long-tailed mockingbird further south, the Chilean Mockingbird (Mimus thenca). The Long-tailed Mockingbird is a largely brown bird, with a dark surround to the ear coverts, a pale supercilium, and some white markings on the wings and tail. It is generally common in suitable habitat, namely arid scrub and woodland, or hedgerows within agricultural areas.

27–29·5 cm; 54–79 g, average 66·6 g. Large greyish mockingbird with very long, graduated tail. Nominate race has prominent white supercilium, black eyestripe from lores to upper ear-coverts, connecting to rear with black patch on lower ear-coverts; white cheeks, narrow black malar stripe; crown and upperparts brownish-grey, streaked darker, upperwing-coverts pale-tipped, white patch on primary coverts; flight-feathers and tail dusky brown, primary bases whitish, white tips of outer rectrices (both wing and tail patches conspicuous in flight); throat, belly and vent whitish; breast dull brown, feathers with blackish centres at breast sides, and dull buff margins elsewhere; flanks tinged buffy brown, with some blackish streaks; iris sepia brown to yellow; bill and legs dark. Sexes alike, female slightly smaller than male. Juvenile has streaky chest. Race <em>albogriseus</em> is somewhat smaller than nominate, also greyer, with larger white tail tips ; platensis resembles previous but larger, and longer billed; maranonicus is very similar to nominate.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Diet broad, including terrestrial and marine invertebrates, fruits, berries. Forages largely on ground; hops with tail elevated, glides between foraging sites with spread wings and tail. Occurs in loose groups outside breeding season.

Song , to be heard throughout day, is a loud, persistent, continued string of chuckling notes and phrases; not known to mimic other bird species.