Gray Catbird

Gray Catbird

© Joanne Kamo. Photographed at High Island, spring, 2011.

Dumetella carolinensis

Family: (Mimidae) Mockingbirds and Thrashers

Preferred Habitat: Woodlands

Seasonal Occurrence: Most common during spring and fall migration. Nests in our area.

Notes by Susan Billetdeaux: Gray Catbirds may be found in all seasons on the Upper Texas Coast. They're most common during migration, but small numbers overwinter. In addition, there are increasingly numerous reports of them nesting throughout the Upper Texas Coast. Their plumage is a soft gray with black cap and rust-colored undertail coverts, clearly shown in Wayne's photo. Gray Catbirds are usually spotted as they forage in dense shrubbery. They get their name from the soft, cat-like mew call.