Ever heard a catbird and wondered why it has such an odd name? People call them catbirds because their call sounds a lot like a cat’s meow.
This soft gray bird often lets out a wailing sound that could easily fool you into thinking a cat’s hiding nearby.
What’s really fascinating about catbirds is how their voice can match a cat’s meow almost perfectly. That’s pretty much how they got their name.
You’ll spot them in backyards and forests, quietly calling out with those funny “meows.” It definitely makes them stand out from the usual crowd of birds.
Maybe you’ll find yourself listening a little closer next time you’re outside, just to catch that unmistakable sound. For more, check the catbird Wikipedia page.
Why Do They Call It a Catbird?
The name “catbird” comes from the sounds this bird makes and the family it’s in. You might hear a sharp meow-like call that sounds just like a cat.
This unique call, plus its spot in the mimid bird family (think mockingbirds and thrashers), explains the name.
Origin of the Name
The name “catbird” sticks mainly because of the bird’s weirdly cat-like call. Early bird watchers heard a sound that reminded them of a cat’s meowing.
This is especially true for the gray catbird, or Dumetella carolinensis, which is pretty common in North America.
People use the word “catbird” for a few different birds, but most folks picture the gray catbird. Its name comes straight from those cat-like sounds it makes when singing or calling.
Naming animals like this really shows how closely people pay attention to nature.
Cat-Like Mew Call
The gray catbird’s call is probably its most famous thing. Hear it once and you might look around for a cat.
The bird makes a sharp, mewing sound, sometimes just a quick “mew,” other times a longer, wailing cry. These sounds pop up a lot during breeding season, when males want to impress females.
The bird uses a special part of its throat, called the syrinx, to make that meow. The gray catbird can control both sides of the syrinx separately.
This trick lets it make some pretty complex sounds, even blending two notes at once. Not many birds can pull that off.
Vocal Mimicry and the Mimidae Family
Gray catbirds belong to the Mimidae family. That’s the same group as mockingbirds and thrashers—birds known for being great mimics.
These birds can pick up and copy the sounds of other animals, and even weird mechanical noises sometimes.
Catbirds use this mimicry to spice up their songs and compete with other birds. You might hear a gray catbird copying other local birds, mixing those sounds with its own meows.
This skill helps it stand out when it’s trying to attract a mate or defend its turf.
If you want to hear what makes the gray catbird special, you can find recordings of its calls and songs online. There’s a neat mix of cat-like meows and clever mimicry that’s hard to miss.
For more about the gray catbird’s sounds, check out this Gray Catbird: A Bird That Sounds Like a Cat (With Sounds).
Gray Catbird: Habitat, Behaviors, and Highlights
You’ll find gray catbirds in places with thick plants and a bit of shade. They like spots where they can sneak around or hide if they want.
Their habits and diet help them stay safe and active year-round.
Where Gray Catbirds Live
Gray catbirds really love dense thickets, vine tangles, and forest edges. These places give them lots of cover.
You might spot them near brushy areas like roadsides, old farms, or clearings with tons of shrubs.
Their favorite hangouts usually have shrubs like dogwood, winterberry, and serviceberry, which give them food and a place to hide. In winter, they head to the southern U.S., Mexico, or the Caribbean but still look for those same brushy spots.
Nesting and Rejection of Brood Parasitism
When they build nests, gray catbirds pick thick shrubs to keep their eggs and chicks safe from predators. They work hard to care for their own babies.
Here’s a cool fact: gray catbirds can spot and toss out the eggs of the brown-headed cowbird—a bird that sneaks its eggs into other birds’ nests. By rejecting these eggs, catbirds help protect their own chicks from getting replaced.
Diet and Attracting Gray Catbirds
Gray catbirds really go for a mix of fruits and insects. They’ll snack on berries from plants like serviceberry, winterberry, and dogwood.
During the warmer months, they chase after bugs as a big part of their meals.
If you want to bring gray catbirds into your yard, try planting thick shrubs close to young trees. Berry-producing plants help lure them in and—if you’re lucky—convince them to stick around.
Some folks swear by making a soft “pishing” sound. It’s a bit odd, but catbirds often come closer just to see what’s going on.
For more about their sounds and habits, check out the Audubon Field Guide.
