Gray Catbird? S New Jersey, USA (1 Viewer)

[oldtool2]

I have seen this bird come into my back yard a couple of times this past week. At first I thought it was one of the Mockingbirds that nest close by but got a couple of photos laast night and realized it is not.

Is this a Gray Catbird? It does have a slightly darker cap and pale orange around the tail feathers.

Jim D.

 

[Gretchen]

Mmm, I think the beak is wrong. I would say this is a Cowbird - black, short beak. The catbird's beak will look rather closer to the Mockingbird's (thinner, curved). Your observation about pale orange around the tail is interesting - not something I'm aware of in either species, but sometimes I don't look too carefully.

 

[Gavin Bieber]

As Gretchen indicates, this is a female Brown-headed Cowbird.

 

[Dave Hall]

Hi Jim I agree with the ID of female Brown-headed Cowbird

 

[chris butterworth]

Beak shape says Brown-headed Cowbird, Catbirds have a much more slender bill, almost like a warbler.
Chris

 

[KC Foggin]

Here is a link to a photo of a Catbird in the gallery

http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=265975

 

[jmepler]

Your observation about pale orange around the tail is interesting - not something I'm aware of in either species...

Gray Catbirds have rusty or rufous undertail coverts, often not visible, especially if you aren't looking for them.

Jim, I think the color you are seeing may just be an effect of the lighting.

Definitely a female Brown-headed Cowbird, one of the most confusing birds for new birders.

One thing to look for on a drab bird with almost no markings is a slightly lighter throat, the only real field mark other than shape and size for the female Brown-headed Cowbird.

Mike

 

[oldtool2]

Thanks everyone, it is a female Brown-headed Cowbird. I found a photo of a female in the Audubon field guide. It makes sense, I have seen a couple males in the area. Color is so different I never would have guessed.

 

[stonechat1]

Here is a link to a photo of a Catbird in the gallery

http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=265975

But that´s an Blue Catbird

 

[Gretchen]

Gray Catbirds have rusty or rufous undertail coverts, often not visible, especially if you aren't looking for them.

Thanks Mike, I was hoping someone would tell me that! I've never seen that feature and don't remember reading it - but will look more carefully in the future.