Featured in The Beauty of Nature on June 18th, 2010.

A gray catbird stands on a broad tree-trunk with it’s tail held high in a classic mockingbird pose.

Captured in Botterhill Park, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

Taken with a Canon 50D using a 70-300mm lens @ 240mm, f/13.0, 1/250 sec., ISO 400. No post-processing.

Viewed 158 times as of September 2nd, 2010.

The grey catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) is a small, shy, dark gray mockingbird with black cap and red-brown undertail coverts. It is a fairly common bird near riverbanks in either rural or urban areas. Due to its dark plumage and shy habits, it is heard more readily than seen, at least by those familiar with its song- a varied medley of sounds. Its less frequently heard call, somewhat akin to the mewing of a cat is diagnostic. The first birds arrive after mid May and most depart during late August, with some hangers-on remaining to mid September.

INTERESTING FACTS

• Gray Catbirds are able to recognize their own eggs making them less susceptible to brood parasites such as the Brown-headed Cowbird.
• When feeding on the ground, they toss leaves aside with their bills rather than scratching with their feet.
• Their calls include the catlike meow call that gives them their name.
• A group of catbirds are collectively known as a “mewing” and a “seat” of catbirds.