Bird's' Year-Round Territoriality

Some species, particularly shorebirds and some birds of prey, commonly defend territories both summer and winter. This pattern is unusual in songbirds. The Northern Mockingbird is one of the few species common on the East Coast that defends a territory the year around. During the breeding season its territory centers on the nest and is no different from that of any other territorial breeder. In fall, however, the pair separates and each begins to defend its own feeding territory.