Grey Catbird

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Grey Catbird
Photo Information
Copyright: angela LL (angela926) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 358 W: 8 N: 385] (1698)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-04
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 40 D, EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 III
Exposure: f/10.0, 1/400 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-05-05 20:18
Viewed: 556
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
A Grey Catbird in Brooklyn New York.

A secretive, but curious skulker of dense thickets, the Gray Catbird is heard more than it is seen. Its rambling song contains imitations of other bird songs, but the characteristic "mew" that gives it its name is not an imitation and sounds only vaguely cat-like.

Description
Medium-sized songbird.
Small bill.
Long tail.
Uniform gray all over.
Black cap.

Size: 21-24 cm (8-9 in)
Wingspan: 22-30 cm (9-12 in)
Weight: 23-56 g (0.81-1.98 ounces)
Sex Differences
Sexes alike.

Sound
Song is a long slow series of warbled notes, ranging from whistles to squeaks, often including imitations of the songs and calls of other birds. Notes not given multiple times. Calls a raspy "mew" and a chattered "chek-chek-chek."
topConservation Status
Widespread and common, but number in Southeast declining.

Other Names
Monqueur chat (French)
Mímido gris (Spanish)


Cool Facts

One male Gray Catbird was observed to be mated to two females in different territories. The territories were separated by another catbird territory, but the male defended both of them.


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 territorial intruder is nearby. The female may sing the quiet song back to the male.


Although the Brown-headed Cowbird lays eggs in Gray Catbird nests, the catbird throws most of them out. The catbird learns to recognize its own eggs, probably by looking at them. If a cowbird quickly replaces the first catbird egg in a nest, the catbird may recognize the cowbird egg as its own and throw out its own eggs as they are laid. But such mistakes are rare, and few catbirds are ever seen incubating cowbird eggs.
bobair, JPlumb, maurydv, eqshannon, Alex99 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • bobair Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 359 W: 73 N: 1090] (4080)
  • [2008-05-05 21:13]

Hi Angela,
this is a nicely detailed shot of the catbird.I first found one of these birds by accident because it was mewing like a cat enough so I thought a cat was in distress up in a tree,it fooled me and to my surprise it was a catbird.Your capture is not typical of the sort I have of these birds as they are normally well concealed in bushes or tree branches.I wish this one had it's tail raised up so we could see it's red coloured back underside.Your focus is a little soft on this shot and would of benefited some from a tripod or one of the IS type lenses,still a neat capture just the same.Tfs. Bob

Hi Angela,

Great catch..
Good composition and the tones are well handled.
Fine light moods.
EXCELLENT.

jp

Hi Angela
Thanks for sharing this lovely bird. He is nice and sharp, the composition is good and your photo is nicely framed.
Cheers
Sue

  • Great 
  • JPlumb Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 654 W: 159 N: 889] (2827)
  • [2008-05-05 23:19]

Hi Angela, nice shot of this catbird. I haven't seen one of these for years. Colour is good, with decent details, though it might be just a tad soft. The composition is good, with him on this large branch, shown in an urban setting. Your notes are excellent.

Thanks, John

Bellissima immagine, ottimo POV, molto bella la composizione con il grosso ramo e mi piace lo sfondo dell'ambiente urbano, buona nitidezza, molto belli i colori e la luce. Grazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

Hello Angela,
again a very nice shot from you,
excellent point of view, nice colours, great lighting and beautifull composition,
cheer,
friendly,
Pat

Wow! Talk or in this case sing loudly and in NY!:-) Why does that not sound provincial? I think it is so much a part of America..that it would fit in well with notes even if the pic was not any good..but it is..ans so you have done a good total lesson////1
Congrat!
Bob

Hola Angela.
Una original captura de un pájaro completamente desconocido para mí.
Buena nota.
Saludos, JL.

  • Great 
  • EOSF1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1266 W: 103 N: 4311] (19463)
  • [2008-05-09 12:49]

Hello Angela, that's a fine shot of the Gray Catbird! Sharp image, well composed and you've done a great exposure, well done, thanks!

Mario

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2935 W: 142 N: 4217] (13775)
  • [2008-05-13 9:05]

Hi Angela.
Wonderful shot of the grey beauty. Despite the grey BG you have exposure shot extremely well. Grey feathers of the bird are reproduced perfectly as well as other attractive details of the bird and nice surroundings. Bravo. Excellent work.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2726 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-05-24 19:18]

Hello Angela

One of my favourite birds since I was a young lad.
The details and colours are well captured.
The pov and dof are very good.
You have made very good eye contact.

TFS
Rob

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