Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)

A member of the Mimic Thrush family along with mockingbirds and thrashers. Rare in our checklist area but has been an almost annual breeder espeically at Cheam Lake Wetlands and in the Maria Slough area in Agassiz. Has also bred in Harrison Mills. Most common in the interior of the Province. After breeding, migrates south to Central America with most birds apparently gone from our checklist area by early to middle Septermber. This would be fairly consistent with data for the rest of the Province (eBird, 2014) Most sightings of birds returning from migration occur beginning in late May. A record exists from middle April which is over a month earlier than the next earliest record for the checklist area, or, for that matter, the rest of BC.

Gray Catbirds are often found in thickets and dense shrubs often near water. Can be difficult to see as they like to remain hidden but singing males will often sing from a conspicuous perch. Gray Catbirds can and do make a ‘meowing’ sound very similar to a cat.

Earliest record: April 16, 1994 (Sardis Pond, Chilliwack)
Latest record: September 23, 2012 (Cheam Lk. Wetlands)

Similar Species:
Not liable to be confused with other bird species given the unique overall gray colour, black cap and reddish undertail coverts.

Best Viewing Locations:
Cheam Lake Wetlands and the lower end of Maria Slough in Agassiz has been a reliable location over the last few years for this species. More than a few sightings exist for the Chehalis Estuary area as well.

Sources:
eBird
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)

Noteworthy Data

Photos