Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis
Flight call description No known flight call but a variable, harsh "kit" series, often a three-noted "kit-a-kit", is commonly given in short diurnal flights. A piercing, metallic "ztik" may occasionally be given in short diurnal flights.
Fig.1. New York September 27, 2001 (WRE).
"Kit" series from bird in flight.
Fig.2. Maryland August 16, 1994 (MO).
"Ztik" call from bird in short flight.
Examples
Diurnal calling sequences:
1. Maryland August 16, 1994 (MO). "Ztik" call given in short flight.
2. New York September 27, 1989 (WRE). "Kit" series with mew note in short flight.
3. New Jersey October 22, 2001 (MO). Fast example of "kit" series.
Behavior Nocturnal migrant. Limited diurnal movements, probably forced migration, occur in south Texas in spring. This consists of short flights through vegetation corridors along the coast. "Kit" series given year round. "Ztik" call give by young and adult birds on the breeding grounds and occasionally in the spring migration period.