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Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)
songbird's song
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uses bird feeders
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FIELD MARKS
The
Gray Catbird is a dull-grey colour with black on the top of its head and
tail and rusty-coloured under-tail coverts. It has a thinner and longer
tail than a robin. It can often be seen flicking its tail about and making
cat-like mewing noises. The Gray Catbird can also imitate other songbirds.
Approximate length: 22 cm
FOOD
Insects and berries make up most of the Gray Catbird's diet. It also eats
some spiders and will eat just about anything at bird feeders. The catbird
mainly forages on the ground, but collects berries in shrubs and trees.
HABITAT
The catbird prefers to live in thick shrubs, often near the edge of woods,
along streams and in hedges around gardens. It is a migratory bird.
NESTING
Nests are built inside thick shrubs or low trees. They are bulky cup-shaped
structures that the female builds out of twigs, weeds, grass and leaves
and lines with roots and other soft material. The female lays 3-5 shiny,
greenish-blue eggs.
STATUS
Population declining in some areas.
DISTRIBUTION
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