New England Bird of the Day for Thursday, July 21

 

I love catbirds. I’m not alone in that thinking, of course, but for such a dull-colored bird, it’s pretty exciting.

Catbirds are named for their “mewing” call, which really does sound like a cat in the brush. Catbirds have plenty of other vocalizations, too, including a somewhat warbling whistle song.

Some bird walks can be lonely in the heat of summer. Catbirds remain reliable sightings throughout the summer, even when other birds make themselves scarce. I also see catbirds in my birdbath on a regular basis.

Catbirds are smaller than robins and are gray colored, with a black cap and rusty patch under the tail.

Be sure to check out Bird Calls every Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. on WSTC/WNLK AM1400/1350 (in S. CT and nearby NY) or www.wstcwnlk.com from anywhere in the world (where there’s Internet access, that is.) Thanks for checking in.