Editing Socorro mockingbird (section)

===Status and conservation===
This species numbers fewer than 400 individuals altogether and is considered [[Critically Endangered]] by the [[IUCN]]. ''Mimus graysoni'' is mostly threatened by [[habitat loss]] caused by [[feral]] sheep and the [[locust]] ''[[Schistocerca piceifrons]]'', and predation by feral [[cat]]s which became established after 1953, probably in the early 1970s. It is not believed that the [[northern mockingbird]] which has colonized Socorro in the late 20th century is limiting the recovery of its relative; the two ''Mimus'' do not occupy the same habitat and even if they did, the native bird is larger and more powerful and would probably simply outcompete its mainland relative in native vegetation at least. The [[island restoration|extermination]] of the sheep is underway in the hope of restoring the island ecosystem.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" />

On one hand, it seems that the Socorro mockingbird is a prolific species and would be able to increase in numbers quickly if habitat improves. On the other hand, its terrestrial habits make it vulnerable to cat predation and this may limit its recovery even if sheep are contained; it is not known for example in how far foraging in the lowlands – now cat-ridden – was important for robust breeding success. In addition, it can be expected that predation on this species by both the native red-tailed hawk as well as the feral cats has increased since the [[Socorro dove]] – formerly a preferred prey item – has become [[extinct in the wild]]. Cerro Evermann, Socorro's main [[volcano]], is still active and erupts on a limited scale every few decades;<ref name=GVP/> as the mockingbirds seem to depend on upland forest habitat, a major eruption could place the species in jeopardy (see also [[San Benedicto rock wren]]). This threat is not considered significant compared to the problem of introduced species however.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" />