Knowledge sharing - Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) -We welcome sharing of our posts.5/28/2023 Galveston Bay Area Chapter - Texas Master Naturalist
· Knowledge sharing - Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) - We welcome sharing of our posts. The Gray Catbird is a common winter resident along the Texas Coast. As the name suggests, they are mostly gray with a black cap and a chestnut vent. They are most often found skulking in dense brush and are often heard before they’re seen. The distinctive call, a catlike mewing, gave the bird its name. Gray Catbirds like habitats with dense undergrowth. Here, they hunt through the shadowy branches or on the ground for insects and berries. These birds will also come out in the open to visit backyard feeders. Though seemingly shier than their closest relatives, Gray Catbird are mimids, meaning they are related to mockingbirds and thrashers. In fact, in some areas they are called the Slate-colored Mockingbird. Just like other members of family Mimidae, Gray Catbirds have many different calls and sounds aside from the distinctive catlike call, and can mimic other birds as well. Photos and information shared by Chapter members Elizabeth and Elisha Hehir.
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