From Opus

Dumetella carolinensis

Photo by digitalbirder
Photo taken: Gallagher Lake, British Columbia, Canada.

[edit] Identification

L. 8-9 1/4" (20-23 cm)
Smaller than American Robin

• Dark gray
• Black cap
• Rusty undertail coverts
• Slender, long-tailed

[edit] Distribution

[edit] Breeding

From British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia south to Washington, Texas, and Georgia.

[edit] Non-breeding

From Carolinas and Gulf Coast southward, small numbers occur regularly to southern New England.

[edit] Taxonomy

Formerly known simply as the "Catbird," this bird has had its name changed officially to Gray Catbird because there is an all-black species, the Black Catbird in southern Mexico.

[edit] Habitat

Thickets and brush, residential areas and gardens.

[edit] Behaviour

A ground feeder, turning the leaf litter over with the beak

[edit] Breeding

The bulky nest is hidden in bushes or vines. Four or five shiny blue-green eggs are laid

[edit] Diet

Consists of insects and fallen berries

[edit] Vocalisation

[edit] Song

A long, irregular succession of musical and mechanical notes and phrases. Sometimes seems to mimic other birds.

[edit] Call

• Cat-like mewing
• Ratchett call when alarmed
• Soft whip and chip given at nest between pairs.

[edit] References

eNature

[edit] External Links