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 |
How to Identify
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.
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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 |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
Although the Gray Catbird is a common species, its preference for dense vegetation can make it challenging to observe.
Observation Records 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.