Gray Catbird – 8/28/20

Observer: Ilan Fisher

Observation Date: 8/28/20

Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.

Observation Location: near intersection of Beach & Harding Streets

Common Name: Gray Catbird

Scientific Name: Dumetella carolinensis

Comments: Catbirds are one of three mimics in our area. Mockingbirds and Brown Thrashers are the other two. Catbirds repeat sounds just once, whereas Brown Thrashers repeat sounds twice, and Mockingbirds repeat them three or four times before moving on to the next sound. Sometimes you can hear the calls of other common birds echoed in the calls of these mimics.

Catbirds also make a “mewing” sound, hence their name.

Catbirds are mostly gray with a dark cap, but they also have a striking rusty-red patch on the underside of the base of the tail.

More Information: All About Birds