The gray cat bird is approximately nine inches in length with identifying features that include gray plumage, black head cap, rusty crissum (the feathers surrounding the cloaca), tail flicking habit, and mewing call. The male and female look alike and give the same mewing call. The average life span is two to three years. They are commonly seen in our area of Central Florida in the fall, winter and spring – rarely in the summer.
Catbirds forage on the ground and in tree & shrub foliage. Their diet consists of 50% animal and 50% plant material. They consume ants, spiders, caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, and relish blackberries, elderberries, cherries, grapes, and many other fruits. Much of their fruit diet is governed by seasonal availability. Their love of fruit makes them one of our leading frugivores.