The gray Cat bird is our only all-dark-gray bird with rufous undertail coverts. The gray back blends gradually into the long black tail; there is also a black cap. Like other mimics, they are medium in size (approximately 8.5 to 9.0 inches in length) and slender. Their eyes, bill, and legs are black. In the juvenal plumage, the cap is dull brownish and some brown mottling is evident on the back. A molt in August results in adult plumage. Both sexes look alike.
Catbirds may respond to intruders with a variety of vocalizations. The typical song is made up of a combination of coarse low notes and higher pitched squeaks and chips interspersed with bits of songs mimicked from other birds. The use of mimicry varies greatly among individual catbirds and may be distorted or fragmentary. Catbirds rarely repeat phrases, unlike thrashers or Northern Mockingbirds. Catbird calls include the catlike meow call that gives them their name; a soft quirrt or kwut that functions as a low-intensity alarm call; or a louder, grating ratchet call given when suddenly alarmed, especially near the nest.
A number of nests are often built by both sexes only to be abandoned, but the female usually builds the one that is ultimately used. Nests are placed between 3 and 10 feet above the ground and are typically well concealed within a tangle of vines or thicket. Lined with rootlets, the nests are built of twigs, grapevine bark, and grasses. Females incubate eggs while the male stands guard nearby.
He will bring his mate food!
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