9 replies to this topic

[ricwag]

Looking through 3 sources I see that catbirds are secretive. I live in the Metro DC area. Looking at my sources, this HAS to be a catbird. They will come into the yard within 40 - 50 feet from where I sit.

If my info. is correct, why is this bird listed as "secretive?"

[meghann]

I don't know why it would be listed as secretive. We have a pair at our house this year, and I see them constantly.

[Melissa :)]

Really? They are really the opposite of secretive. I've had them fly into the branches a foot above my head to 'meow' at me. They are probably the most friendly birds I've ever met!

[creeker]

They probably mean in general. The ones you guys see are probably just accustomed to human presence.

[JimBob]

Hum, all the Catbirds I've seen aren't secretive either. I've seen them in suburbs and deep woods but none hide.

[BigSkyKen]

The Gray Catbirds I encounter in parks and in towns are generally very oblivious to my presence, but when I find them in remote locations, they will usually remain hidden in shrubs and forage, only allowing brief glimpses of them - and they normally remain silent.

[horseface]

Haha this sort of bothered me too for a while. I remember reading about them being more often heard than seen or something, like a cuckoo or what have you but I see catbirds all the time. Wondered if I was just really really lucky or if it was bad info.

[BarnSwallow]

When I see a mockingbird sitting at the top of a bush singing, it will stay there for quite a bit if I approach, and fly off to the top of another bush when I get too close. When a catbird is singing at the top of a bush and I approach, they always dive down into the bush and disappear. They do seem to hide much more readily than many species.

[Triplefeather]

The catbirds around our place are quite secretive, but I've found if I make a sort of hissing noise, it makes them curious and sometimes they come in for a look.

[Kaysei]

These weren't very secretive yesterday. They sure are noisy!