The mocking bird is about 10 inches long. The long, slender tail with white longitudinal stripes on the outside is very characteristic It also has white wing patches.

Mocking birds are very territorial and they establish and defend their territory by singing, often from a high vantage point. The male defends a breeding territory in spring, and both male and female defend feeding territories in fall. They feed by foraging on the ground or among foliage, eating small animals (such as insects, spider, crayfish, or snakes) as well as berries when available.

The mocking bird imitates a large number of bird species, as well as others sounds such as insects, machinery, and musical instruments. Each imitation is usually repeated 3 to 5 times. A particular bird studied had the songs of 36 other species in its repertoire. Unlike most birds, mockingbirds will sing at night, particularly where there is a full moon or other lighting.