The song is a slow, rambling series of notes and phrases that includes high, sharp chips, various squeaks, gurgles, whines, nasal sounds, and periodic mewing notes; the song may last up to 10 minutes, with little or no repetition throughout its length. This species does not incorporate mimicry into its songs as often as the related Northern Mockingbird. Singing frequently occurs during the night. The characteristic call note is a hoarse, cat-like, mewing
mwee or
meeurr that is similar to the mewing notes that are included in the song. Other calls include a loud, cracking
kedekekek or
chek-chek-chek-chek and a low, deep
whurf or
quirt that is reminiscent of the call of the Hermit Thrush but is somewhat softer.
Source: Cimprich and Moore (1995); Sibley (2000)