Mimulus Beak, a local northern mockingbird, has been accused of infringing on the songs of 36 bird species.

It's springtime, but several bird species in the Bassettville area don't feel like singing.

"It's just no fun anymore," says Skip Harbinger, a white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). "Us sparrows, we used to sing all day long. Now our hearts aren't in it."

The reason: plagiarism.

Eight bird groups, as well as a regional cellular phone company, formed the legal coalition Don't Imitate Me With Intentions to Tease (DIMWIT) early this spring and have filed civil charges against Mimulus Beak, a local northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottus). Their claim: Beak is misappropriating their material.

Beak, a native of Washington, D.C., relocated to the area two years ago. Since then, the mockingbird has allegedly been infringing on the songs of 36 bird species, the ringing of cellular phones, and other copyrighted material, including lyrics by rap artist Kid Rock and the frantic barking of a pet Chihuahua. The Chihuahua could not be reached for comment.

"This fellow doesn't merely imitate us. He picks on us mercilessly," commented Pierpont Twaddle, a redwing blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and organizer of DIMWIT. "Early this June we were having a nice outdoor party, very polite and all. We were exchanging our usual greeting, you know, 'Drink your tea. Drink your tea.'"

Before we realized what was happening, Mr. Beak had crashed the party. The plucky little bastard was hopping up and down on an ancient hay rake, yelling, 'Drink your tea! Drink your tea! Ha ha! Twizzlers!' I shall not forget that incident any time soon."

"It completely sucks," chimed in Whiskey Twee, a yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata). "Our voices just aren't our own anymore. They've lost their meaning."

Although slow to be recognized locally, imitating the songs of other bird species has long been an accepted practice in many avian cultures. Among some bird populations it is considered a sacred ritual, along with toe painting, anting, and earthworm sacrifices.

The plucky little bastard was hopping up and down on an ancient hay rake, yelling, 'Drink your tea! Drink your tea! Ha ha! Twizzlers!'

However, if the civil suit proves successful, it could have far-reaching implications in the art world, according to Cedric Pillowsham (genus unknown), Director of Imitative Arts at the Smithsonian Institute. "Sampling and parody have long been a legitimate form of artistic expression," said Pillowsham. "Consider the works of such greats as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Gordon Lightfoot."

"Such oppressive legalities would place undue strictures on works of genius, such as Mr. Beak's."

Despite his dwindling popularity, Beak continues to imitate an ever-widening circle of disgruntled birds, mammals, and electronic devices. Rumors are circulating that he plans to put out an album for the holidays.

When reached for comment at his vacation home in the rural mountains of Clinton County, Beak hopped up and down on a rotten stump and replied, "Tricky bird! Tricky bird! Poodle Eater. Tweeeeet! Tweeeet! Turkey lips! Broke your neck! Bbbbbrrrrringgg! Gargle gargle. Chop! Chop! Harper Lee! Uh oh!"