Gray Catbird

     We've been anxiously awaiting their return, and the Gray Catbirds have finally arrived.  Named for their cat-like "mew" call, the Gray Catbird is slate gray with a thin black crown, a blackish tail and a reddish rump.  No other North American bird has a uniform dark gray plumage.  Males and females are similar in appearance.  

     Gray Catbirds are of the "Mimidae" family, which includes Mockingbirds and Thrashers.  They mimic the songs of other birds, tree frogs and even mechanical sounds.  The Gray Catbird's song is easily distinguished from their cousins, the Mockingbird and the Thrasher.  The Mockingbird repeats its phrases 3 to 4 times, the Thrasher usually twice, but the Catbird sings most phrases only once.  In contrast to most songbirds who choose to sing from a prominent perch, the Catbird usually sings under cover and out of sight. 

     Gray Catbirds can be found throughout North America east of the Rocky Mountains.  Unlike their cousins the Mockingbird and the Thrasher, Gray Catbirds are migratory birds.  They spend the winter season in the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.  We welcome back the Gray Catbird for the winter, enjoy today's photos.....tweet.....tweet!!

  

Gray Catbird
(Taken 1/24/12, Our Backyard)

 

Gray Catbird
(Taken 1/15/11, Our Backyard)

     

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