Common Nesting Birds

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Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)


Photo © Debbie McKenzie

Gray Catbird nest

Photo © René Corado

Gray Catbird eggs

Photo © René Corado

Gray Catbird eggs

Photo © J.M. Kosciw

Gray Catbird nest

Photo © Michael J. Hopiak / CLO

Adult

Photo © Evan Lipton / Macaulay Library

Adult

Photo © Steven Guertin / Macaulay Library

Adult

Photo © Paul Jones / Macaulay Library

Adult

Photo © Evan Lipton / Macaulay Library

Adult

Photo © Rick Beaudon / Macaulay Library

Adult

Photo © Marcie Jacklin / Macaulay Library

Song

© Matthew D. Medler / Macaulay Library

Song

© Randolph Little / Macaulay Library

Song

© Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Matthew D. Medler / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Simone Dena / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library

Juvenile calls

© Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library

When To Look

Source: Birds of the World

Where To Find It

Habitats

open woodland

shrub

Substrates

Live Tree Branch

Bush or Shrub

Vine or Tangle

What You'll Find

Nest Type

cup

Chick

Altricial

Clutch Size

3
5

Nest Height

10 ft
3 ft

Nesting Statistics

Incubation Period

12-15
days

Brooding Period

10-15
days

Useful Hints

  • The male Gray Catbird uses his loud song to proclaim his territory. He uses a softer version of the song when near the nest or when a bird intrudes on his territory. The female may sing the quiet song back to the male.
  • Females build the nests, with males sometimes supplying materials.
  • The Gray Catbird’s long song may last for up to 10 minutes.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Cornell Lab of Ornithology