Watercolor portrait of Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis
Migratory in northern parts of range Dense shrublands, thickets, woodland edg… Song

Learn to identify the Gray Catbird by ear. Master the "a squeaky, variable string of phrases" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“varied phrases”

What the Gray Catbird sounds like

The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized songbird with sleek gray plumage, a black cap, and a long dark tail. Its most distinctive feature is the rusty patch under the tail. Known for its cat-like mewing call, it's a skilled vocal mimic that can imitate other birds and sounds. These secretive birds prefer dense shrubs and thickets, where they forage for insects and berries. While not especially colorful, their slender profile, inquisitive nature, and remarkable vocal abilities make them a backyard favorite across eastern North America.

“a squeaky, variable string of phrases”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:The Gray Catbird's song is a long, rambling series of musical phrases, squeaks, and mechanical sounds, strung together without the clear repetition pattern of a mockingbird. Each phrase is usually given only once before moving to a new sound. The song has a scratchy quality and often includes imitations of other birds but typically at a lower volume than the original. Males may sing for extended periods, especially in morning and evening during breeding season. Often written as “varied phrases”.
Don't confuse with:The Northern Mockingbird — mockingbirds are lighter gray overall with prominent white wing patches that flash during flight. they have a longer tail, white outer tail feathers, and lack the catbird's black cap and rusty undertail coverts. mockingbirds have distinctive white wingbars visible when perched. their songs are more varied and louder, given from exposed perches, whereas catbirds typically sing from within or at the edge of dense cover.

Lessons featuring the Gray Catbird

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Gray Catbird's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Park Songposts lesson habitat
Park Songposts
Tier 2 · Around the Block
The Mimic Trap lesson habitat
The Mimic Trap
Tier 8 · Edges & Echoes
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Dense shrublands, thickets, woodland edges, and suburban gardens with abundant undergrowth. Often found near water sources like streams and wetlands. Prefers areas with tangled vegetation where it can hide and forage in relative safety.

Active spring through fall in northern areas; most noticeable during breeding season (May-July) when males sing persistently. Often skulks through undergrowth rather than appearing in open areas.

Similar species

Northern Mockingbird

Mockingbirds are lighter gray overall with prominent white wing patches that flash during flight. They have a longer tail, white outer tail feathers, and lack the catbird's black cap and rusty undertail coverts. Mockingbirds have distinctive white wingbars visible when perched. Their songs are more varied and louder, given from exposed perches, whereas catbirds typically sing from within or at the edge of dense cover.

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)

Though similar in color to catbirds, juncos are much smaller (sparrow-sized) with a shorter tail and pinkish bill. They show distinct white outer tail feathers in flight and a white belly that contrasts with the gray upper parts. Juncos lack any rusty coloration under the tail and have no black cap. Juncos are primarily ground-feeding birds that hop rather than walking or running as catbirds often do.

Gray Catbird song FAQ

What does a Gray Catbird sound like?
The Gray Catbird's song is a long, rambling series of musical phrases, squeaks, and mechanical sounds, strung together without the clear repetition pattern of a mockingbird. Each phrase is usually given only once before moving to a new sound. The song has a scratchy quality and often includes imitations of other birds but typically at a lower volume than the original. Males may sing for extended periods, especially in morning and evening during breeding season. Listen for the "a squeaky, variable string of phrases" phrase.
How do I tell a Gray Catbird from a Northern Mockingbird by sound?
Northern Mockingbird: Mockingbirds are lighter gray overall with prominent white wing patches that flash during flight. They have a longer tail, white outer tail feathers, and lack the catbird's black cap and rusty undertail coverts. Mockingbirds have distinctive white wingbars visible when perched. Their songs are more varied and louder, given from exposed perches, whereas catbirds typically sing from within or at the edge of dense cover.; Behaviorally, mockingbirds prefer more open habitats, perch conspicuously on wires and posts, and are highly territorial. Catbirds are more reclusive, staying within or near thickets. Mockingbirds lack the catbird's namesake mewing call, though they may incorporate imitations of it in their songs..
When is the best time to hear a Gray Catbird?
Active spring through fall in northern areas; most noticeable during breeding season (May-July) when males sing persistently. Often skulks through undergrowth rather than appearing in open areas.