That bird keeping you up at night is a native Texas species — here’s why it’s singing
.JPG "The northern mockingbird trills almost endlessly and masterfully and amazingly mimics the songs of about 50 other birds and even music and machinery.")
Waking up to birds chirping can be relaxing. Waking up to a bird squawking in the middle of the night– well that’s just irritating.
If you live in Fort Worth, you have most likely had this experience. At least, some folks who talked about it online sure have.
“First there was an owl that didn’t bother me at all and then a bird came and started making different sounds constantly,” says a Quora user. “The owl needs to come back and find the bird’s nest and eat it.”
On Reddit another user writes: “Can anyone identify this nocturnal monster of a bird that is ruining my sleep and how to shut it up without killing it.”
This loud bird species is native to North Texas. Meet the Northern Mockingbird, Texas’ state bird.
“They are either applauded for their audaciousness or cursed for their persistence in nocturnal singing or in the defense of their territory,” according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
How to spot a Northern Mockingbird
A Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized bird with a dark gray head and paler gray body with distinctive long, white tail feathers.
You can find this songbird practically anywhere in Texas.
Why do mockingbirds sing at night?
“The males’ territoriality and constant singing and displaying during the breeding season make them the most noticeable bird in Texas,” according to TPWD.
Unmated male mockingbirds are the most persistent singers, and the only ones who will sing at night. TPWD also says that female birds are more attracted to the males who can make the most sounds.
Mockingbirds are known to mimic over 50 other birdcalls and sounds, like rusty hinges, whistling, cackling hens and dogs barking.
Spring and fall are their most vocal seasons. Spring is when they are breeding and fall is when they find a place to feed.
Can you make a Northern Mockingbird be quiet?
Most Texans would probably say, “Well, I can think of a way to shut up a mockingbird.”
However, shooting a mockingbird is illegal. Thanks to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is against federal law to shoot or hunt any migratory bird species. And though the mockingbird is a year-round species in Texas, it is on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife migratory bird species list.
Instead, there are other ways to deter a screaming Northern Mockingbird.
Cornell Lab’s All About Birds suggests covering trees with bird nets that are sold at a gardening store. These nets will keep birds from perching for their mating calls all night long.
Otherwise, immediate resolutions to a loud songbird may just have to be some sound-proof headphones or earplugs.
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 4:31 PM.