SABIÁ-DO-CAMPO (AS KNOWN IN BRAZIL)

Mimus saturninus

The Chalk-Browed Mockingbird is a bird famous for its extensive repertoire of songs, which include imitations of other species. It measures between 9 and 10 inches and weighs from 1,94 to 2,5 ounces. It has a grayish color on its back, upper head, wings, and tail. Its chest and belly are whitish-yellow or purplish. It doesn't fear humans and allows for close approach without getting scared. It's one of the best mimics of other birds in nature. Some individuals repeat the songs of up to 6 different species.

It mainly feeds on insects like ants, termites, and beetles, and it particularly enjoys the fruits of the Tapiá tree. Its nest is constructed with dry twigs, grass, and cotton, in the shape of a shallow bowl on trees or bushes. The eggs are blueish green with rust-colored spots. It lays 3 to 4 eggs, and the couple is assisted by a third or fourth individual from the flock, which might be an offspring from previous years helping with feeding and protection.

It roams through fields, savannas, parks, and vacant lots in cities, usually in flocks that can have up to 13 members. Despite living in family groups, they are quite aggressive among themselves. They can be found in rural regions from the lower Amazon through central Brazil, the Northeast, East, and South, extending to Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.