Gray Catbirds
(Dumetella Carolinensis)

Birds have always been a favorite of mine. As I said before, I love going outside and listening to them sing. The Gray Catbird's song is one such song I enjoy. It's unique, that's for sure! It sounds like a cat and that is why it's called a Gray Catbird. It mews. Yes, I am serious. Have you heard a mewing sound when you are outside and don't see a cat? Look in the trees and bushes. You just might find yourself looking at one. 

I'll never forget the first time I heard and then saw a Gray Catbird. My husband and I were at the local zoo. The Catbird was sitting on the fence which we were passing. How nice it was to see the bird that was mewing! It was a fun moment.

As you can see above, Gray Catbirds are gray with a black cap. Underneath their tail, they have a brown patch. They are 8.5" long and have a short straight beak. Their legs are somewhat long and they have broad, rounded wings. 

Some say Gray Catbirds are related to the thrush as both birds are ground feeders and build their nests in the shape of a cup. This is the most common nest style. Their nests could be anywhere. They could be on the ground or be up high up on a tree. 

What do they eat? They enjoy ants, beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars and moths. They also enjoy fruit when it is available. These include, but are not limited to, holly berries, cherries, elderberries, poison ivy, and blackberries. They also damage gardens which have strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and grapes.

They usually have 4 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 12-13 days. Both mom and dad feed their babies. At about day 10 or 11, the young fly away. They have hatchlings twice a year.

Okay, I could go on and on about the Gray Catbird. This opens your window to something different. Go outside and listen. 

The above photo is available for purchase.

Have a great day!

Thanks for visiting,

Judy

References:

Baughman, M. "Reference Atlas to the Birds of North America." National Geographic.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Catbird/id.

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/gray-catbird.

https://allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Catbird/lifehistory.

Kaufman, K. "Lives of North American Birds." Houghton Mifflin.

Kaufman, K. Notebook. https://www.audubon.org/news/the-catbird-has-simple-trick-outsmart-deadbeat-brood-parasites.