Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)

The Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) is a medium-sized songbird known for its distinctive slate-gray plumage and melodious calls, often mimicking other birds and sounds. Preferring dense vegetation, this omnivorous bird primarily feeds on fruits and berries, migrating from the Montreal area to warmer southern regions during the winter months.

🇫🇷	Moqueur chat
🇩🇪	Katzendrossel
🇲🇽	Mímido gris

Taxonomy

Order	Passeriformes
Family	Mimidae

Tips for Identifying This Species

The Gray Catbird is characterized by its slate-gray plumage and a darker gray crown. The underside of its tail feathers is brown, while the upper part of the tail tip is nearly black. Its eyes and legs are also black.

Notes about Whereabouts

Although the Gray Catbird is a common species, its preference for dense vegetation can make it challenging to observe.

Observations by Park and Season

Location	Spring	Summer	Autumn	Winter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal	-	x	-	-
Parc Bernard-Landry	x	-	-	-
Parc Michel-Chartrand	x	-	-	x

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

Characteristics

Length	20.5-24cm
Weight	35-40g
Wingspan	22-30cm
Clutch Size	1-6 eggs
Incubation	12-15 days
Fledging	10-11 days
Sexual Maturity	1 year