This is a Gray Catbird. It has a harsh voice tone like the crying of a cat.
It is said that they are very shy but I accidentally discovered their weakness. They just love oranges! ( Notice the orange reflection on their chests in my photos? That is the orange treat that is out of the frame. It is not their natural color which is all gray.)
These photos are from my archives. My magical fence no longer is producing lovely captures since my neighbors cut down a tree beside it.
A few years ago, I placed oranges out to draw Baltimore Orioles. Well, I was successful in two ways. I did get orioles but I also found catbirds.
I developed quite an affection for these rather plain birds. They were very comical and pushy. I like a bird who knows what she wants.
I grabbed a few facts from the Cornell Ornithology Lab:
Cool Facts
- The Gray Catbird’s long song may last for up to 10 minutes.
- 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.
- The Gray Catbird belongs to the genus Dumetella, which means “small thicket.” And that’s exactly where you should go look for this little skulker.
- The oldest known Gray Catbird lived to be 17 years 11 months old.
Sillyfrog's Blog 
In the last photo I can see a hint of the copper color beneath her tail. Love your portrayal of the catbird.
Thank-you. I really think they are quite comical.
Glad you were able to spot it in my photo. 🙂
“I like a bird who knows what she wants.”
Great observation, Susan.
LOL…I was thinking of you when I wrote that! Too funny 😉
I love Gray Catbirds….This is the first year I can remember the Gray Catbirds building a nest in one of our bushes close to our house….They sing at dust and early in the morning like crazy! They are soooo cute! i love to watch them in the bird bath:)
I’d love to find them nesting! You are lucky…I must get busy remaking my magical fence! Thanks for commenting and following. ❤
great shots!
Thanks…really appreciate your visit and kind comment!
I’ll have to see what their range is! I love your photos and your stories, Susan!
Thank-you Judy. You made me smile 🙂
Very nice time lapse wild life shots!!! Cheers Nonoy Manga
They were still shots over a few days, my friend. Much appreciated.~Susan
I loved your photos and the information that you provided. I’m wishing that the fence was still magic, but I guess it’s a blessing to have ever had a magic one.
I have very warm memories of a catbird from our trip to West Virginia. We were staying in a lodge overlooking a gorge. In a tree just outside our balcony, a male catbird sang his little heart out every morning. We used to bring our breakfast out onto the balcony to listen to him while watching the smoky looking fog rise up from the forest along the gorge.
Thank-you kindly for the sharing of such a special connection with catbirds. My magic fence just may rise again… 😉
Just found this… Beautiful shots of an underrated bird!