Gray Catbird – 6/9/13

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/9/13

Observation Time: 1:55 p.m.

Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road (back yard)

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.

More Information: All About Birds