If you've ever heard a bird meow or seen a flash of sleek gray darting through a thicket, you might have seen the Gray Catbird.
Equal parts mysterious and entertaining, these feathered wonders are common but not often seen.
Here are TEN interesting facts about Gray Catbirds:
#1. Named for Their "Mew-sical" Call
Grey Catbirds are famous for their signature "mew" call, which sounds remarkably like a cat (hence the name). The next time you are near some shrubbery and hear a cat-like sound, it's most likely a Gray Catbird hiding inside.
Listen below. What do you think?
#2. Mimic Extraordinaire
Gray Catbirds don't just sound like cats! In fact, they are one of the most accomplished singers of all North American birds, stringing together long series of squeaks, whistles, whines, and other nasally tones. Sometimes they don't stop singing for over 10 minutes straight.
But the most interesting thing about a Gray Catbird's song is they often mimic other birds! And they don't stop with birds, sometimes mimicking frogs or mechanical noises like car alarms.
Each catbird’s song is unique, and they rarely sing the same sequence twice. Originality is their forte.
Move over, mockingbirds—catbirds are here to steal the show!
#3. Dressed to Impress
Their sleek, slate-grey plumage and black cap are the avian equivalent of a tailored suit.
But, upon closer examination, the Gray Catbird offers a hint of flair. Look underneath their tail to see rusty to cinnamon plumage.
Lastly, both males and females look the same. To tell the difference, you will have to look for different behaviors during the breeding season.
#4. Secretive Shy Guys
You’re VERY unlikely to find a catbird in an open field, as they are not fans of open spaces.
Gray Catbirds prefer the cover of dense shrubs and thickets. They can be hard to see, even when you can hear them nearby.
They are definitely one of the introverts of the bird world!
#5. Berry and Insect Connoisseurs
You won't find Gray Catbirds eating bird seed. Their palate prefers the tastes of both insects and fruit, with each option composing roughly 50% of their diet.
Some backyard gardners get annoyed with catbirds due to them consuming their raspberries, cherries, grapes, or strawberries.
Likewise, some gardeners readily accept catbirds. By eating insects, they act as natural pest control, keeping gardens healthy and thriving.
#6. You can attract them to bird feeders!
But wait, didn't you just say that Gray Catbirds don't eat bird seed?
Yes, that is true, but let me tell you a secret:
Gray Catbirds LOVE eating grape jelly.
I discovered this while trying to attract orioles to my feeders. While I was able to persuade a few orioles to the grape jelly, it was my local Gray Catbirds that visited the most!
#7. Long-Distance Fliers
Most Gray Catbirds are migratory, spending the breeding season in North America before migrating south for the winter. But, interestingly, the catbirds that live along the Atlantic Coast don't migrate.
During the non-breeding season, Gray Catbirds can be found in a wide range of warmer areas. Some stay in Florida and other states along the Gulf of Mexico, while others travel to the Caribbean and Central America.
Some catbirds travel up to 3,000 miles during migration. Talk about a workout!
#8. Move over robin egg blue!
I'm sure you are familiar with the beautiful blue coloring of an American Robin egg. I've included a picture below:
But, check out the gorgeous blue of a Gray Catbird egg. I love the deep color even more than the robin.
And sometimes the catbird eggs even have red spots on them!
#9. Urban Adapters
Catbirds have adapted well to suburban environments, thriving in backyards and parks as long as there’s plenty of shrubbery.
But most people don't even know they are around, due to their secretive nature. So keep a close eye out, and make sure to listen for their distintive sounds.
#10. Gray Catbirds benefit from Bird Friendly certified coffee!
Gray Catbirds, like many migratory birds, depend on tropical forests in Central America for survival during the winter months. Unfortunately, these critical habitats are increasingly threatened by deforestation, often driven by agricultural practices such as sun-grown coffee farming, which replaces forests with open plantations.
Shade-grown coffee, on the other hand, is cultivated beneath a canopy of native trees, preserving the layered structure of the forest and maintaining vital ecosystems. This traditional method of farming allows Gray Catbirds and other wildlife to find food, shelter, and safe resting places.
The Smithsonian's "Bird Friendly" certification ensure that coffee is grown in a way that supports biodiversity by protecting habitats for a wide variety of bird species, including Gray Catbirds.
Choosing Bird Friendly coffee not only helps conserve forests but also provides a sustainable livelihood for coffee farmers.
And guess what? Most of the coffee that Beautiful Beast Coffee Company sells has been certified as Bird Friendly.
Drink coffee. Save our beautiful beasts. :)