Grey Catbird

Appearance:

Length: 8.3-9.4 in
Weight: 0.8-2.0 oz
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in

A medium-sized, slender songbird with a long, rounded, black tail and a narrow, straight bill. Catbirds are fairly long-legged and have broad, rounded wings. Catbirds give the impression of being entirely slaty gray. With a closer look, you’ll see a small black cap, blackish tail, and a rich rufous-brown patch under the tail.

Habitat:

Look for Gray Catbirds in dense tangles of shrubs, small trees, and vines, along forest edges, streamside thickets, old fields, and fencerows.

Behavior:

Catbirds are secretive but energetic, hopping and fluttering from branch to branch through tangles of vegetation. Singing males sit atop shrubs and small trees. Catbirds are reluctant to fly across open areas, preferring quick, low flights over vegetation.