Whatbird.com

I have spotted at least 3 pair totally gray birds looking for bugs in the yard and around the birdbath. Imagine a CALM starling with that short tail, but a medium smokey gray all over, very slightly darker at top of head but no other markings at all. It's the bobbed tail and round head that are striking. Kansas City urban garden, and they don't touch the seed. Can't find this one in any book or web site. Any clues??

Catbird?

gray catbird?

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The photo shown is Barnie. My faithful and loving companion of 18 years, who passed into the next life on 11-8-2008. God rest her soul! She's missed!

> "bobbed tail".

The bird constantly moves the tail?

Most likely a Gray Catbird.  I have seen a few of them at my fountain the past week or so.  Have you heard it's voice yet?  Sounds a lot like a cat, hence the name, "catbird".  It has a very musical song as well.  Also - see if you can notice if it has a chestnut brown patch under the tail - if so, it is definitely a gray catbird.

eric:

> "bobbed tail".

The bird constantly moves the tail?

wrens, thrush, thrashers....I'm sure there's plenty of others, but those come to my mind first 

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The photo shown is Barnie. My faithful and loving companion of 18 years, who passed into the next life on 11-8-2008. God rest her soul! She's missed!

Gray catbird for sure.

Definitely Gray Catbird.

This was my first guess, but the pictures I have seen all show a considerably longer tail, that's why I mentioned Starling's short tails. Still think so?

Gray catbird will be more slender than starling with longer tail - also black cap on top of head - what about juvenile starling?  aren't they a gray-brown color?

Yes, Juvenile Starling is probably most likely. If not, What about a Western or Eastern Wood-Pewee or an Eastern Phoebe?

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