Grey Catbird

The Gray Catbird, Dumetella carolinensis, is a medium-sized perching bird native to North America and parts of Central America. It is the sole representative of the genus Dumetella within the mimid family. Exhibiting a predominantly slate-gray plumage, the bird is characterized by a darker cap and a notable rust-colored patch beneath its tail. Both sexes appear similar, making them indistinguishable in the field, while juveniles present a more subdued coloration.

Identification Tips

Adult Gray Catbirds typically weigh between 23.2 to 56.5 grams and measure 20.5 to 24 centimeters in length, with a wingspan ranging from 22 to 30 centimeters. Their wings and tail are blackish, with some feathers edged in white. The bill, eyes, and legs are also blackish. Observers can identify this species by its lead gray color, darker head, and the distinctive rust-colored undertail coverts.

Habitat

The Gray Catbird favors dense vegetation, particularly areas with thorny undergrowth. It thrives in scrublands, woodland edges, overgrown farmland, and abandoned orchards. In Bermuda, it is drawn to scrub and myrtle swamp habitats.

Distribution

This bird is found throughout most of temperate North America east of the Rocky Mountains. During winter, it migrates to the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is a rare vagrant to western Europe.

Behaviour

Gray Catbirds are ground foragers, often seen rummaging through leaf litter, but they also forage in shrubs and trees. They are known for their boldness in the presence of predators, readily flashing their wings and tails and vocalizing their distinctive calls. They are also known to aggressively defend their nests from intruders.

Song & Calls

The Gray Catbird is named for its cat-like call. It is a skilled mimic, capable of imitating the songs of other birds and even mechanical noises. Its song is unique among mimids, typically singing phrases only once, which is raspier and less musical than that of the Northern Mockingbird or the Brown Thrasher.

Breeding

Gray Catbirds breed in semi-open areas with dense, low growth. They construct a bulky cup nest in a shrub or tree, close to the ground. Clutches typically consist of 1-5 light blue eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and feeding duties.

Similar Species

The Gray Catbird can be confused with other mimids, but its plain gray coloration and cat-like calls are distinctive. It lacks the repetitive phrases of the Northern Mockingbird and the musical quality of the Brown Thrasher's song.

Diet and Feeding

Omnivorous by nature, the Gray Catbird's diet is composed of approximately 50% fruit and berries, with the remainder being insects and other arthropods. They are known to peck at more fruit than they can consume and will also eat various insects, especially during the summer months.

Conservation status

The Gray Catbird is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is widespread and generally abundant, though its secretive behavior may make it seem less common. In Bermuda, however, its population has declined due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species. The species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 in the United States.