Help! Mockingbird Singing At Night All Night Long
What Can I Do To Stop It?

Without a doubt, losing sleep because a Mockingbird won't stop singing at night is no fun. First, make sure it's a bird and not a squirrel. Squirrels make a rasping sound. Mockingbirds sound like birds.

Chasing the bird away may work for a short while, but it's unlikely to work permanently.

The male mockingbird has established his territory and there is little you can do to change his mind.

Plastic Owls, hawks, and snakes will be of little help to stop the singing at night. Lethal action against the bird is illegal.

Is It A Bird or Something Else?

Just because you hear the sound coming from the treetops doesn't mean it's a bird. Does it sound like this?

Squirrel Sound

See the short Video Below

If so, it's a squirrel and we can stop right here as we are not talking about squirrels.

On the other hand, if you're sure it's a bird singing then first things first.

Let's Review The Law Regarding Birds.

Most birds are protected by federal laws under the "Migratory Bird Act of 1918," as well as by state laws. It is illegal to destroy, relocate or possess birds, their nests or their eggs. The only exceptions are non-native species: House Sparrow, European Starling, and Pigeon. Trained and licensed wildlife rehabilitators, who have passed a federal and/or state-administered test, are permitted to care for injured or orphaned wildlife.

As a light sleeper myself, I understand the frustration one feels when mockingbirds sing at night.

Unmated males are the most likely birds to be doing the "night singing". Once mated, the singing will usually stop as they begin the process of nest building and raising young. (Which takes the song out of a lot of males hearts - Just kidding.)

Steps You Can Take to Stop the Noise

First and foremost, close all windows including storm windows.

Use a fan to help drown out the mockingbirds singing.

Purchase soft foam earplugs, if it's happening right now, get some cotton balls and use them.

Use your CD player, purchase relaxation cds, sounds of rain, rivers flowing, or pleasant music.

Move your sleeping quarters to another room in your house.

If the perching tree is a small tree you may want to cover it with bird netting, also sold as deer netting. Available in box stores usually in the garden center.

Finding an acceptable noise to drown out the singing is about the only thing we can do until either a mate is found, or he gives up and moves on.

Remember, he is trying to attract a mate, his song is a courtin' song. If we stop to consider... many of us were a nuisance when we went a-courtin'.