Mimidae

Mimidae [′mim·ə‚dē]

(vertebrate zoology)

The mockingbirds, a family of the Oscines in the order Passeriformes.

---

Mimidae 

a family of birds of the order Passeriformes. The birds range in length from 20 to 30 cm. The plumage is grayish or reddish brown above and lighter and often mottled below. There are 31 species, distributed from Canada to Patagonia. Species found in northern regions are migratory. The birds have a beautiful song and often imitate the calls of other birds and various other sounds. The common mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) imitates the calls of more than 20 other bird species. The birds nest in trees and on the ground; a clutch contains two to five eggs. The birds feed on insects, seeds, and berries. They are popular cage birds.