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Gray Catbird
(Dumetella carolinenisis)
Photo by permission of Randy Newman
Seasons in Walnut Creek: Summer resident; migratory
The gray cat bird is a mimic bird which means it can use other bird calls as well as its own. Its normal call sounds like a cat meowing and that is why it is called a catbird. Another surprising feature is that it has no subspecies. It is also sometimes called the black mockingbird. It migrates much earlier than other birds; once seen in Florida in January where it does not migrate to.
Key Field Marks:
- They are mimic birds which means they can do other bird calls
- Gray except for rusty vent and black cap
- Medium sized (8-9in) and have a long tail
- Wing span is 9-12in
Key Behaviors:
- Eats insects in summer, and berries and other fruit at all seasons
- Diurnal animal
- Call sounds like a cat meowing
Habit and Range:
- Flies from perch to ground to snag insects
- Found among thickets and vines in search of food
- Nests in low areas concealed in foliage
- Common throughout North Carolina through the fall and summer season, then migrates to coastal regions of southernmost states and into Central America for the winter
Walnut Creek Sighting: Seen along greenway on late September of 2008.
Photo by permission of Randy Newman
Photo by permission of Randy Newman
This page prepared by 8th grader Jacob S.
Exploris Middle School - Fall 2008
