Birds in the Winter - Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird can be found keeping watch over berry bushes in the winter. A highly territorial bird, it will chase off robins, cedar waxwings, and starlings who come too close to its bush or tree. 
Their grey bodies and long tails make this bird easy to distinguish from similar sized birds (roughly just under robin size). When in flight this bird has large white stripes under each wing and on either side of the tail. These patterns make for a beautiful display when the bird chases off others in their territory.
The most definable trait of the mockingbird is its range of songs. In a lifetime this single bird can learn up to 200 different songs. Sometimes singing up to 50 in a single day (during mating season). 
From February through August, they are most vocal, singing through the day and into the night. Most unmated males will sing through the night, most commonly during a full moon, in the hopes of attracting a mate. 

In ancient cultures mockingbirds are very important birds. To the Hopi and Pueblo tribes it was the mockingbird who first taught people to speak. Southeast Indian tribes believe it is a symbol of intelligence. 
It is said the mockingbird as a totem can teach many things - the power of song and voice, waking up your life's purpose and inner talents, giving the strength to move forward towards your life's purpose fearlessly.