Month: April 2025

12 Surprising Facts about the Scarlet Tanager

Post author By Jack Emery
Post date April 25, 2025
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Scarlet-red bodies with jet-black wings and tail makes the scarlet tanager one of the most striking songbirds in North America.

But blink, and you might miss them.

A Scarlet Tanager, one of the brightest red birds in North America. — Image by Daniel Cadieux via Flickr & Facebook.

For starters, only male scarlet tanagers have such distinct plumage. Females are olive-green all over.

They’re also not found in North America year-round. During the winter months, they undergo a long migration towards warmer Central and South America.

Lastly, scarlet tanagers like to live high in the canopies of mature deciduous forest interiors, making them hard to spot.

Read on to discover 12 surprising facts about the scarlet tanager.

1. Male and female scarlet tanagers look very different

I’m sure you know the expression “opposites attract”. Well, this couldn’t be truer for the scarlet tanager.

In spring and summer, adult males are unmistakable; brilliant red bodies with black wings and tails.

Females and fall immatures are olive-yellow with darker olive wings and tails.

Comparision pictures of a female and male scarlet tanager. — Female (left) and male (right) scarlet tanager. Left image by Vidterry via Flickr.

When two sexes of the same species appear different, it is referred to as sexual dimorphism.

Males use brightly colored plumage to show off how fit and healthy they are, and that they would make a suitable candidate in raising the chicks of a female.

2. They have thick, rounded bills

Think of the thick, rounded bill of a scarlet tanager as a multi-tool.

The shape and size of a bird’s bill are strongly linked to its diet and foraging behavior.

The dual function purpose allows them to forage on both insects and fruits. The best of both worlds.

The shape of the tanager’s bill offers us an insight to their evolutionary past. Scientists now know that scarlet tanagers are part of the cardinal family.

3. Scarlet tanagers love their berries

While much of their diet consists of insects, especially in the summer, scarlet tanagers find berries irresistible. And they’re not choosy.

A male tanager foraging for berries. — Image by Nature by Travis Bonovsky via Flickr.

Blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, juneberries, serviceberries, mulberries, strawberries, chokeberries. You name it, they’ll eat it.

Berries offer essential nutrients like sugars, fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help birds maintain energy and support their health – especially during times when other food sources are scarce, like in the fall and winter.

4. They are long-distant seasonal migrants

During the summer breeding season, scarlet tanagers breed in mature deciduous forests and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests in eastern North America – sometimes as far north as southern Canada.

They begin their northward migration in late March and April, with males arriving slightly before females to gain territories.

By September, these tanagers leave their northern breeding ground and return south.

Scarlet tanagers winter in mature forests and forest edges in northern and western South America, mostly on hills and mountains. They range south as far as the Bolivian lowlands.

Some individuals have been recorded flying over 3,000 miles per season, most of which occurs at night.

5. Scarlet tanagers do not cope well with habitat fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation is the process where a large, continuous habitat is broken into smaller, isolated patches. It is often caused by human activities.

Scarlet Tanagers, which are typically found within forest interiors, are negatively impacted by habitat fragmentation. Fragmented habitats lead to increased vulnerability to nest parasitism by cowbirds and predation. As a result, population declines occur.

A scarlet tanager female feeding a parasitic cowbird juvenile. — Image by David1lee2 via Flickr.

If a tanager pair sees an approaching cowbird, they’ll chase it away. If the pair do not see the brood parasite approaching, then their nest is in grave danger.

Tanagers seemingly cannot tell the difference between cowbird eggs and chicks from their own eggs and chicks. As a consequence, they raise the imposter along with the rest of their brood – if they’re lucky.

Many cowbirds remove the eggs of tanagers before laying their own to reduce competition.

Over the last 50 years, populations of these tanagers have declined by 7% due to forest fragmentation and loss.

6. They can reach old age (for a bird)

The oldest known scarlet tanager was at least 11 years and 11 months old.

He was first banded in Pennsylvania in 1990. In 2001, he was recaptured in Texas.

7. Scarlet tanagers often flock with other species

Scarlet tanagers travel in mixed-species flocks both on their migration to and from the South American forests and in their wintering grounds.

Here, it is common to see these tanagers in flocks with similar passerine birds, such as flycatchers, antbirds, woodcreepers, and resident tropical tanagers.

Migration is one of the most dangerous times for any bird. By forming large groups, individuals are better protected from predators.

8. Males change the coloration of their feathers

Not like a chameleon, unfortunately. But that would be cool to see.

A male scarlet tanager in his non-breeding plumage. — Image by Heather Pickard via Flickr.

After breeding, adult males molt their vibrant red and develop female-like olive green plumage.

However, keen-eyed birders can still spot the difference between the two sexes: males retain their black wings and tail feathers.

9. Their classification is confusing

We all know scientists like to confuse us.

And the classification of tanagers is no different.

The family Thraupidae, which includes tanagers, currently recognizes 393 species. However, ornithologists have reclassified the scarlet tanager into the Cardinalidae family.

Why? Modern molecular techniques tell us that scarlet tanagers are more closely related to cardinals than they are to the true tanagers.

10. Scarlet tanagers display a variety of foraging strategies

While foraging for insects, scarlet tanagers walk along branches high in the canopy, or vertically on tree trunks to probe the bark.

They can also hover with fast wingbeats to grab insects from leaves, bark, and flowers, and they catch flying insects like bees, wasps, and hornets from the air.

If prey is small enough, they will swallow it whole. However, scarlet tanagers kill larger prey by beating it into a branch until dead.

For stinging insects, such as bees and wasps, these tanagers rub their prey against a branch to remove the stinger.

11. Both male and females sing

Unlike many other songbird species, both male and female scarlet tanagers sing during the breeding season.

A male tanager singing from a branch. — Image by Edward Post via Flickr.

Although similar to the male song, the female sings a shorter and softer version. She typically sings in answer to the male’s song and while she is gathering nesting material.

Scarlet tanagers often nest on horizontal branches in mature deciduous trees. Females gather an array of plant material, such as twigs, grasses, bark strips, and pine needles, to construct her saucer-shaped nest.

12. Male scarlet tanagers arrive first

Males arrive at their summer breeding grounds before females.

Prior to the arrival of the females, male scarlet tanagers establish territories by singing. Often dubbed as “singing wars”, males sing from exposed perches to establish and protect their territories from neighboring males.

To maintain his territory, male scarlet tanagers use a combination of singing, displaying aggressive behaviors like chasing, and physically confronting other males.

Final Thoughts

Small yet mighty, the vibrant scarlet tanager is a delight to see.

A bright red tanager flying in front of beautiful blossoming trees. — Image by Roman Lucas via Flickr.

This hardy passerine bird undergoes an arduous long-distance migration twice yearly between their wintering grounds in the South and their breeding grounds in the North.

Along the way, it isn’t uncommon to see scarlet tanagers with an array of other bird species. Maybe you’ll get more than you bargained for when you go out in search of the scarlet tanager.

Keep an eye high in the canopy for any flashes of red.

Or, use the scarlet tanager migration as an excuse for a tropical vacation to Costa Rica.

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Nesting Notes

15 Amazing Bird Nest Builds

Post author By Molly Weinfurter
Post date April 18, 2025
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A tree with the very long hanging nests of the Montezuma Oropendola.

When most people think of bird nests, they imagine a pile of sticks shaped like a small cup. Many nests have that classic structure, but it’s not the case for every bird. Some species build extremely unique nests that look more like art than a functional bird nest.

The large hanging nest of the penduline tit. — The hanging nest of a penduline tit. Image by Ott Rebane via Flickr.

Bird Species with the Coolest Nests

There are birds with incredible nests all over the world, but many of them are right in North America. Check out these unique species, along with how they build their nests.

1. Montezuma Oropendola (Birds with Hanging Nests)

Habitat: Coastal lowlands from southeastern Mexico to Panama
Diet: Fruits, flowers, insects

Montezuma oropendolas build narrow, hanging bird nests that stretch three feet or more below the branch. The females build these hand-woven nests using a mixture of fibers and vines. These birds gather in colonies, which can include over 100 hanging nests in one spot.

This species’ coloring stands out just as much as the nests. While their bodies are mostly brown and black, they have a bright blue patch by their eyes, an orange beak tip, and vibrant yellow tail feathers.

2. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (Bird that Nests in Cacti)

Habitat: Desert scrub from Mexico through areas of South America
Diet: Insects, reptiles, birds, small mammals

A ferruginous pygmy owl, a species of owl that nests directly inside cacti. — Image by Dan Weisz via Flickr & website.

These adorable little owls nest in existing cavities rather than creating something new. Due to their arid environment, this usually involves nesting in cacti. You may see the owls poking their heads out of cactus holes. Cacti provide good coverage for the eggs, shielding them from the sun and predators.

The ferruginous pygmy owl only stands 6 inches tall and weighs less than 3 ounces. So, they can easily fit into openings that other owls can’t.

3. Baltimore Oriole

Habitat: Open woodlands across the eastern United States to northern South America
Diet: Insects, berries, nectar

Baltimore Oriole with Nest — Image by Bonnie Ott via Flickr.

Many oriole species, including Baltimore Orioles, create nests that suspend from branches like basketball hoops. The birds delicately weave thin fibers together as if they’re knitting. Females primarily construct the nests and males help gather materials.

Male Baltimore orioles have beautiful coloring with dark black feathers and a vivid orange chest. Females are mostly dull yellow-orange color with dark wings.

4. African Jacana (Birds with Floating Nests)

Habitat: Freshwater wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa
Diet: Insects, larvae, worms, snails, mollusks, crustaceans

An African jacana floating nest with three eggs on top. — Image by Stephen Leach via Flickr.

African Jacanas build floating nests from the stems of aquatic vegetation. These bird nests protect the eggs from predators and the changing water levels. The adults have oversized feet that help them walk across lily pads to access their unique nests.

These birds have chestnut-colored bodies with white necks and long legs. Males have a gorgeous light blue patch between their eyes.

5. Ovenbird

Habitat: Closed-canopy forests from southeastern Canada through Mexico
Diet: Insects

The nest of a red ovenbird. — Image by Fabio & Carol via Flickr.

Ovenbirds got their unique name from their nest formations. They build dome-like structures with a side entrance, resembling old outdoor ovens. These bird nests can be both in trees and on the forest floor. The females choose safe spots and create the dome-shaped nests out of items like dead leaves, grasses, branches, and hair.

These small birds are hard to miss, measuring 4.3 to 6.3 inches long. They have olive green feathers and a white belly with black spots.

6. Penduline Tit

Habitat: Areas with trees across parts of Eurasia, Africa, and North America
Diet: Insects, spiders, seeds

The penduline tit is another species that creates hanging nests, but these nests have a fuzzy appearance. They’re made from animal hair, spider webs, and soft plant materials. This design creates a durable yet comfortable place to keep eggs.

These birds are only about 4 inches long, and they’re mostly brown and white with a black mask-like shape around their eyes.

7. Edible-Nest Swiftlet (Bird Nests Built from Saliva)

Habitat: Caves and cliffs across southeast Asia
Diet: Flying insects

An edible nest swiflet nest. — Image by John Oates via Flickr.

Edible-nest swiftlets got their unique names because their nests have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and as the main ingredient in bird’s nest soup. The birds create round white nests using regurgitated saliva, and they attach them to rocks and other surfaces.

The birds themselves are only about 5.5 inches long, so their nests are fairly small. They have dark brown feathers and a short beak.

8. Cactus Wren

Habitat: Deserts from southwestern United States through central Mexico
Diet: Insects, spiders, fruits, seeds

The oval-shaped nest of the cactus wren. — Image by Charlotte Byers via Flickr.

Cactus wrens create oval-shaped nests from dry grasses, which rest on cacti and other desert plants. Since these bird nests are several feet above the ground and surrounded by cactus spikes, the eggs stay safe from predators.

This wren species is 7 to 8 inches long with a pattern of white, brown, and black feathers. Their long, pointed bills make it easy for them to forage for food under leaves and other objects.

9. Malleefowl (Ground-Dwelling Bird Nests)

Habitat: Semi-arid shrublands of southern Australia
Diet: Seeds, flowers, buds, fruits

The large mound of a malleefowl nest. — Image by Sandy Horne via Flickr.

These birds create mounds of sandy soil on the ground, which have an indent in the center for eggs. The males typically build the mounds, but there’s little to no care from either parent once the chicks hatch.

The nests are large because malleefowls are up to 24 inches long and 5.5 pounds. They have a pigeon-like appearance with mostly gray feathers, along with a brown and white pattern on their wings.

10. Bald Eagle (Bird with Giant Nest)

Habitat: Forests near bodies of water across Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico
Diet: Fish, birds, turtles, rabbits, snakes

The large and heavy nest of a bald eagle. — Imaage by Jack Sasson via Flickr.

Bald eagle nests are massive to match the bird’s large size. Their body length is 28 to 40 inches long while their wingspan is wider than the height of a person. As the national bird of the United States, bald eagles have a signature look of brown feathers and a white head.

These massive birds collect large sticks to create a nest that’s 4 to 6 feet in diameter and about 3 feet deep. They build these bird nests on top of tall trees, but they must choose sturdy trees since the nests can weigh over 1,000 pounds.

11. Bowerbird (Builds Nest-Like Structures)

Habitat: Forests of Australia and New Guinea
Diet: Fruits, insects, spiders, seeds

The beautiful nest-like structure made by the male bowerbird. — Image by Neale Maynard via Flickr.

Bowerbirds build “bowers,” which look a lot like nests. They’re made of sticks and twigs, which have two raised sides. They almost look like an art piece, which makes sense considering that the birds use them to attract mates. Females prefer males with the most beautiful bowers.

These birds rarely lay eggs in these nest-like structures. Instead, females build a small, saucer-like nest in a secluded tree. There are several bowerbird species, most of which have vibrant purple or yellow eyes.

12. Cliff Swallow

Habitat: Cliffsides and caves across North America and parts of South America
Diet: Flying insects, berries

Cliff swallow nests, made from mud. — Image by Edward Post via Flickr.

Cliff swallows use mud to create gourd-shaped nests that stick to cement walls and cliffs. Each nest has a small opening that the birds can squeeze into. They frequently nest in colonies, and in certain areas, thousands of birds may build nests near each other.

These birds are only 5 to 6 inches long, so their nests don’t take up much space. They have patches of dark-blue, warm brown, white, and gray feathers.

13. Osprey

Habitat: Near bodies of water on all continents except Antarctica
Diet: Fish

The huge structure of an osprey nest on the top of a tree. — Image by Ryokomoto via Flickr.

Like eagles, ospreys are massive birds that make nests suitable for their size. They measure 20 to 26 inches long and have wingspans of up to 71 inches. They use large branches to create wide, sturdy nests on treetops and man-made structures.

Osprey nests only have a diameter of about 2.5 feet in the first year, but the birds often add onto the nests. They can reach 3 to 6 feet in diameter and 10 to 13 feet deep.

14. Sociable Weaver

Habitat: Arid savannas of southern Africa
Diet: Insects, grass seeds

The very large nest structure of sociable weavers who create a nest large enough for the whole colony of birds. — Image by Russell Bray via Flickr.

These small birds get their name from their social behaviors. They build large bird nests for their entire colony to use, which is made from woven grasses and twigs. The nests can be up to 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

Each sociable weaver nest has anywhere from 5 to 100 nesting chambers, with small holes for each bird to enter. Up to 400 birds can live in one nest structure.

15. Kingfisher (Tunnel Bird Nests)

Habitat: Forests near streams across all continents except Antarctica
Diet: Small fish, crayfish, tadpoles, frogs, aquatic insects

A kingfisher entering its underground burrow nest. — Image by marneejill via Flickr.

There are many kingfisher species, most of which have vibrant and beautiful plumage. Rather than gathering materials for a nest, they create burrows and lay their eggs underground. These tunnels are typically near bodies of water so the birds can easily access prey.

The burrows slope upward to prevent rainwater from collecting inside. One kingfisher burrow can be up to 15 feet long, although 3 to 6 feet is the most common.

Admire the Bird Nests Around You

No matter where you live, there could be stunning bird nests nearby. Some are so unique that you might not even realize a bird built them at first. Some of these bird nests hang, rest on the ground, or exist inside of other objects like cacti. If you’re lucky enough to witness one of these nests in person, admire them from a distance and take some photos.

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Live Cams

Eastern Bluebirds Live Stream

Post author By Jamie
Post date April 12, 2025
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The much-loved Eastern Bluebirds are back live streaming for 2025 from Connecticut, USA. Our cameras are following the journey of this pair as they begin their first nesting journey in this box.

The female started building her nest on March 23rd, and she laid her first egg on April 6th. We are now waiting patiently while she incubates her clutch of five eggs.

During the incubation period, the female will sit on the eggs for 24 hours a day, keeping them warm and safe from predators. The typical incubation period is between 12 and 14 days.

The in-nest survival rate is usually very high for this species, and we expect all five chicks should make it depending on food availability. But all the signs so far are looking promising.

They will eat bugs and mealworms, and the male will be close by to the nest, keeping guard and searching for food to give to the female, who will then feed the chicks.

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Live Cams

Eurasian Kestrels Live Stream

Post author By Jamie
Post date April 12, 2025
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Our Kestrels have returned to our nest site in Blackpool, UK, for 2025. But there’s a twist! Last year, we enjoyed watching Lyra and Rowan’s nesting journey. However, this year, a different male is now occupying this nest. How do we know? Well, Rowan had an ID tag attached to his right leg and the male in the nest so far this year does not have this.

This year, Rowan has not returned to the nest and has likely been outcompeted by the new male, who is actively bringing food to Lyra. Three Kestrels were observed around this site between March and April, so Rowan has missed out.

This new male is establishing himself as a reliable mate, and Lyra’s positive interactions with him indicate that she is ready to breed. It’s encouraging to see her accepting the food he provides, which could lead to a successful nesting season. We observed our first egg on April 16th and expect to see the same around this time.

Stay tuned to watch all the action as it unfolds live.

Please note that this live camera only runs during the hours of daylight.

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Nesting Notes

How Orioles Construct Their Remarkable Nests

Post author By Jack Emery
Post date April 11, 2025
No Comments on How Orioles Construct Their Remarkable Nests

A large Oriole nest hanging from a thin branch.

Bird nests come in all shapes and sizes. Few, however, are as remarkable as the oriole nest.

Orioles are known for their hanging, sock-like nests.

Of course, not all oriole species are the same. Their nests differ depending on the environment they live in.

Some species, such as the Altamira oriole, have nests as long as 24 inches. The orchard oriole, on the other hand, weaves nests just 3 inches deep.

This article will aim to explore the intricate engineering of the oriole nest, and why they go to such lengths to create such remarkable nests.

What Are Orioles?

Okay, okay, okay, pay attention – unnecessarily complicated taxonomy incoming.

Technically, there are two groups of orioles.

Male Orioles Defend Territory — Image by Roy Priest via Flickr.

We have the Old World orioles, which are found across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This group belongs to the family Oriolidae.

Then we have the New World orioles, which are found across the Americas. These belong to the family Icteridae, which also includes members of the blackbird family.

Here’s the confusing part – the two groups, despite both being called orioles, are not closely related.

The icterids of the New World were first called “orioles” by early European settlers due to their resemblance to the true orioles of Europe and Africa.

Males are typically black with plumage of either orange or yellow, depending on the species.

But, as we now know, this is simply convergent evolution – where two non-related species have evolved similar traits to exploit a particular niche.

So, whilst the two bird families look physically similar in size and color, and often share habits and dietary preferences, they are not closely related to one another.

For this article, we’ll be exploring the New World Orioles.

What Does An Oriole Nest Look Like?

Oriole nests are unique among North American birds.

These are no ordinary nests – most oriole nests can be found hanging, suspended midair from the canopy of deciduous trees.

Think a basketball net, or a woven sock made of twigs or grasses, extending from a branch or a fork in the tree.

Of course, not every oriole species has the same approach to nesting.

A Hooded Oriole nest with the male oriole visiting. — A Hooded Oriole nest hanging from the underside of a palm. Image by Scott Olmstead via Flickr.

Travel to the Southwest or into Northern Mexico, and you may find nests sewn to the underside of large overhanging leaves of palm or yucca plants. This is probably the nest of a hooded oriole.

If you see a nest hanging from a yucca or Joshua plant, it could well be the nest of Scott’s oriole (scientists evidently got lazy with the species naming in the Southwest and named things after their mates).

On the Great Plains, where fewer large structures and trees are found, orchard orioles build cup-shaped nests in low shrubs to shield them from the wind.

How Do Orioles Build Their Nests?

Orioles, unlike some other bird species (cough cough pigeon), take a lot of time and care over their nests. Depending on the species, orioles can spend anywhere between 7 – 15 days constructing their intricately weaved, hanging nests.

Most oriole nests are built in three stages.

The process of a Baltimore Oriole nest being woven into tree branches. — The process of Baltimore orioles building their nest. Images 1 & 2 by Christine Baird via Flickr and image 3 by Edward Post via Flickr.

First, the female creates a sturdy outer bowl using strong yet flexible fibres.

Then, using softer, more springy fibers, an inner bowl is created. This maintains the sack-like shape of the nest.

Lastly, the female creates a cushioned lining to incubate and protect the eggs.

I haven’t gone into too much detail about the particular types of fibers used. But there’s a reason for this: nest materials depend on the oriole species and what materials are available around the nesting site.

For example, Baltimore orioles forage for the fallen fibrous fluff (say that 5 times) of the cottonwood tree, whereas Scott’s oriole picks off pieces of the Joshua tree in which they nest in.

Some individuals ditch the plant-based materials altogether and use human-made materials, such as yarn or even discarded fishing gear – a form of pollution that causes the fatalities of many birds each year.

A Bullock's Oriole nest, built with a mixture of natural and human-made waste, with a young oriole inside. — A Bullock’s Oriole nest constructed with a mixture of natural and non-natural materials including plastic fibres. Image by Jim Kraft via Flickr.

Other species use a resource that can be found almost everywhere: grass.

From April, the start of the breeding season, it’s common to spot female orioles starting the weaving process of nest construction.

What Makes The Oriole Nest So Remarkable?

It seems incredible to us that these small birds can create such masterpieces of engineering – with just the use of their beaks.

Altamira oriole nests which are very long and seem to defy gravity by suspending off thin branches and wires. — The nests of Altamira orioles. Left image by Jeff Dyck via Flickr and right image by Greg Lavaty via Flickr.

Female orioles tangle long fibers over branches to first anchor the nest in place. This is the starting point of the nest.

Then, using her bill, she begins to poke holes into fibers.

More fibers are added and weaved together. With the addition of the holes she has poked, the fibers tangle together forming a strong bond. She continues this process to create the three components of her nest.

The nests are so strong and durable that, in one study, it was found that 85% of all nests remained intact after a year.

But why do orioles make their nests like this in the first place?

Well, the obvious answer is to make it harder for any potential predator to get to the eggs or chicks.

However, the shape of the nest also deters any brood parasite – such as cowbirds – from accessing the nesting chamber.

Some nest entrances measure just 2 inches wide.

However, the depth of the nest depends on the oriole species.

Those with more concealed nests, such as species found across the Great Plains, have shallow pouches, rarely exceeding 4 inches in depth.

In contrast, the Altamira oriole, which is the largest oriole species in the US, can build nests as long as 24 inches. It’s not uncommon to see these nests hanging from power lines.

Interesting Facts About Oriole Nesting

Before nest construction can begin, the male must court the female. To do this, he moves around the female, bowing deeply as he goes. He’ll also point his bill towards the sky and sing softly. If the female is interested, she will reciprocate.

Nest sites are selected by females within a territory that is defended by her mate.

Most orioles breed throughout April – July. However, their nests remain throughout fall, owing to their durability.

While orioles do not reuse the name nest twice, they recycle nest material to use in the construction of new nests.

Females are the main nest builders. Males occasionally bring materials to the female, but they will not help with the construction or weaving processes. Only the females do this.

Female orioles can lay up to 7 eggs in a clutch.

Final Thoughts

Orioles are eye-catching passerine birds found throughout North America.

However, it’s not always their striking colors of black, oranges and yellows that capture our attention.

Orioles construct some of the most intricate and complex nests in the bird world. These hanging nests are thought to deter predators and brood parasites.

Some species can create nests that are up to 24 inches in length, weaved together with nothing but grass.

In other words, orioles are engineering powerhouses.

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Feathered Facts

12 Fascinating Facts about the Gray Catbird

Post author By Jack Emery
Post date April 5, 2025
No Comments on 12 Fascinating Facts about the Gray Catbird

The Gray Catbird is a medium-size songbird related to mockingbirds.

Although they’re not the most eye-catching bird to look at, they are a firm favorite of many birders. Their bold personalities and complex vocalizations more than make up for their unassuming appearance.

While they are a frequent visitor to backyards, they spend much of their time in thickets of dense vegetation. In fact, they are often heard before they are seen.

A catbird showing off its bright red rump. — Image by Larry Reis via Flickr.

Today, we’ll be exploring 12 facts about the gray catbird.

1. The gray catbird is a mimic

Gray Catbirds are relatives of mockingbirds. They, like mockingbirds, can mimic birds and even other animals like frogs.

They can have a repertoire of up to 100 different syllables and their songs can last up to 10 minutes.

A male who can call a variety of sounds is more desirable to females. A large knowledge base of songs tells the female that the male has survived multiple breeding seasons. He’ll be the best option to raise her clutch successfully.

2. They can produce two sounds at the same time

Gray catbirds can produce two sounds at the same time. They can do this with the help of a special organ – the syrinx.

The syrinx is a unique vocal organ in birds, located at the base of the trachea. It is similar to the mammalian larynx, which is located at the top of the trachea.

A catbird singing whilst perched on a branch. — Image by Larry Reis via Flickr.

The syrinx is a complex structure with multiple muscles and membranes. The gray catbird can independently control the two sides of the syrinx, allowing them to produce complex vocalizations.

The catbird can actively decide whether they want to produce sounds from just one side of the syrinx, or alternate between the two sides. A different sound can be created accordingly.

3. The gray catbird is named after its call

The gray catbird gets its name not only from the gray-colored plumage, but also the meowing calls it makes, similar to that of a cat.

The call is most often used for courting mates or defending their territories,

4. Forget big trees, the gray catbirds prefers shrubs and thickets

The gray catbird belongs to the genus Dumetella, which means “small thicket.”

This name stems from the type of habitat they like.

It’s unlikely you’ll find catbirds in old-growth forests. Instead, you’ll hear them rummaging around dense growth of shrubbery and small trees.

A gray catbird standing in the thicket. — Image by Miroslaw Krol via Flickr.

Within this vegetation, they forage and nest.

Female catbirds build big, deep nests in thick underbrush. Inside the nests are lined with fine, soft material including hair, grass and pine needles to cushion the eggs. Nests are usually about four feet off the ground.

5. They are able to counter brood parasitism

Brown-headed cowbirds are brood parasites. They lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.

While most birds go unaware of the intruder egg, gray catbirds are able to recognize the introduced eggs of cowbirds and eject them from their nests.

6. Gray catbirds are seasonal migrants

During the breeding season, which peaks from mid-May to mid-June, gray catbirds can be found throughout Canada and much of the United States.

In late August, summer migrants travel south towards southern U.S., Mexico and Central America.

The catbird spends the winter in warmer climates, choosing similar shrubby habitats.

However, some populations of catbirds, such as those found in the Atlantic seaboard around the Gulf States, do not migrate and remain in an area year-round.

7. Gray catbirds love fruit

Gray catbirds are omnivores.

In the summer, they will gorge on insects such as ants, beetles, caterpillars and moths.

However, they will also eat fruit when the opportunity arises. Holly berries, cherries, elderberries, poison ivy, greenbrier, bay, and blackberries are firm favorites.

A catbird eating some pink berries. — Image by Greg Lavaty via Flickr.

But they are also opportunistic, and will raid gardens for any unattended fruits. In fact, they can become a garden pest to those trying to grow their own fruit such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.

Leaving out fruit is a good way to attract catbirds to your backyard.

8. They can be long-lived

The oldest known Gray Catbird was nearly 18 years old when it was recaptured and re-released during a 2001 birdringing event in New Jersey. It had been banded in Maryland in 1984.

While this is impressive, their average life expectancy in the wild is just 2.5 years.

9. Human disturbance benefits gray catbirds

Human development is responsible for the population decline of many species.

But not the gray catbird.

Human disturbance and development often creates prime habitat for catbirds. Land clearing, road development, farmland and residential areas promote the growth of dense areas of shrubs, rather than large expanses of forests – perfect for the catbird.

Because of this, their numbers are stable and have an estimated global breeding population of around 29 million.

10. They can be territorial

During the mating and breeding months of spring and summer, only male gray catbirds are territorial.

Two catbirds fighting over a bird feeder. — Image by Pete Grace via via Bluesky, Facebook & Flickr.

He will find a prominent perch and sing to ward off any rivals. If any intruder gets too close to his branch, he’ll chase it away.

In the winter, both males and females defend their own territories – an unusual behavior for many species. This is to secure access to limited food resources and potentially to avoid competition.

If threatened, gray catbirds make themselves look bigger by fluffing up their breast and rump plumage and spreading their tail feathers.

11. The gray catbird takes nesting seriously

Catbirds are prolific nesters, often raising two broods per season.

A pair of catbirds gathering nesting materials. — Image by Roman Lucas via Flickr.

Nesting catbirds do not like other species nearby. They are aggressive neighbors, often destroying eggs and killing chicks of other bird species, including vesper sparrow, song sparrow, and American robin.

12. Gray catbirds aren’t all gray

Despite their name, gray catbirds aren’t just gray.

Both sexes have a rufous patch of feathers hidden at the base of their tail.

During courtship displays, males have been observed showing off their chestnut plumage. The better quality these feathers are, the healthier the male.

A female will show off her patch if she accepts the male’s advances. Only then can copulation begin.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully by now you should know to never judge a book by its cover.

The same can be said for the gray catbird.

Despite its drab coloration, these common birds are quite extraordinary.

They are adaptable in the face of human disturbance, hardy when it comes to facing intruders and, above all, produce some of the most complex songs and calls.

Conservation

Is Freeing Birds Ethical?

Post author By Rhianna Quanstrom
Post date April 2, 2025
No Comments on Is Freeing Birds Ethical?

It would be alarming to see people walking around with cages full of birds in North America and Europe. But throughout Asia, this is a regular sight, especially around temples and sacred places. For the right price, you can free one of these birds, only for it to be later caught and sold again.

The concept of freeing birds has spiritual and cultural roots throughout Asia. We’ll dive into why these cultures have a freeing birds practice. And we’ll discuss the ethical and spiritual concerns surrounding it.

Freeing Bird in Cage — Image by Jonas Aguilar via Flickr

Freeing birds is also a prevalent topic here in the Western world. While we usually don’t see caged birds out in public, there is still a nefarious, underground, illegal bird trade occurring. This knowledge may make you want to free every caged bird you see. However, I’ll explain why that isn’t the best course of action and how you can “free birds” in a safer, indirect way.

Releasing Karma: Freeing Birds for Spiritual Liberation

Birds are deeply symbolic. Cultures across the world weave birds into myths and use them as symbols to represent liberation and innocence.

The practice of freeing birds in Eastern cultures is a living symbol. It represents a deeper spiritual significance. In this practice, a person pays the bird seller for the price of one or more birds. Then, they release the bird with their own hands. By freeing the bird, they believe some of their karma is also freed. This practice is especially prevalent in Hindu and Buddhist religions.

While the intention is seemingly honorable, the reality of the situation is much less so. People capture these wild birds, then sell them, and then recapture the birds again. This cycle undoubtedly causes the birds extreme stress. It also increases their chance of injury and death.

Now, that’s easy for me to say as an American citizen who loves birds and advocates for animal rights. While it’s obvious to me that this practice is unethical, that might not be recognized in these cultures. One reason is the practice’s spiritual significance. To make matters more complicated, those who capture and sell birds depend on the income to survive.

Most importantly, the local government and religious authorities must address this issue. As such, the most we can do is spread awareness and hope that change occurs within those cultures so the birds do not have to suffer.

Thankfully, there are individuals in these places who are against the practice. One example is Abdul Ghani, who spends his retirement freeing birds. Let’s hope that more local people recognize the harm of the practice and advocate to protect the birds.

A Deeper Look at The Spiritual Significance of Freeing Birds

Why is the practice of freeing birds so rooted in these cultures? Let’s look at this from a mystical perspective using traditional Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.

The cage symbolizes our human consciousness, ego, or mayaic delusion. The bird within the cage represents our soul or highest self. Our human consciousness/ego enshrouds our soul. Because of this, we believe this mortal human form is all that we are, and our focus is fixed on material reality. Thus, we are bound to karmic law, which keeps our souls tied to this earthly realm. As such, the cage surrounding the soul also represents karma.

The human soul experiences true liberation by breaking free from the cage of ego consciousness or mayaic delusion. Thus, freeing the bird represents freeing the soul from the cage of illusion.

Yet, the irony of the freeing birds practice is that it contradicts the path of soul liberation. If we look beneath the surface of religious dogma, we see a universal belief. This belief is that self-liberation is an internal process. It is a journey of turning our attention away from material reality and focusing it on our internal reality. In doing so, we come into contact with our soul and experience Self-realization.

From a mystical perspective, the physical act of freeing birds cannot replace an individual’s conscious effort to experience true soul liberation. In fact, the practice contradicts two fundamental spiritual beliefs. One is to not put one’s trust or security in material reality. The second is to love all beings and recognize that the same life force energy connects us.

Freeing birds from cages symbolizes an internal experience. I hope those who practice freeing birds for spiritual liberation recognize that true freedom comes from within.

The Problem with Freeing Birds in the West

In continents such as Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, poachers are illegally capturing exotic birds. Many are then sold on the black market in the United States and Europe. Sometimes, they are even sold at pet stores.

Even in situations where companion birds are legally bred and raised in captivity, the conditions are often poor. (Of course, I’m sure there are trustworthy breeders out there.)

For those of us who are sensitive to animal welfare, it could make us think freeing birds is the best course of action. Cages inhibit birds from their natural instincts, which are to fly and move freely. As such, to see birds in cages is often sad and unnatural.

However, freeing birds that are imported or raised in captivity is likely never the best choice. To start, the caged birds are usually not native to the area. It is illegal to release non-native birds or wildlife in the United States, and I’m sure there are similar laws in Europe.

Because the birds are not native to the area, they may not be adapted to the climate or know where food supplies are. In the wild, the parents teach the fledglings how to locate food and stay safe from predators. Birds raised in captivity do not have this knowledge to the same degree.

Plus, the majority of companion birds are flock birds that depend on the flock for safety and locating food. Freeing birds that are not local to the area probably won’t help them to survive. This is because they don’t have a flock to join or know where to locate food. And, given the confusion of being in an unknown environment, they are easy prey for predators.

How to Support Freeing Birds

One of the best ways to support freeing birds is to report suspicious people selling birds online. In these cases, the authorities can investigate the situation. Hopefully, they can release the birds back into their native habitat.

If you want a companion bird, it is best to adopt one from a local shelter rather than buy one from a pet store. People often don’t realize how much work it is to care for birds, so many are given up for adoption.

Considering this, it is imperative to thoroughly research how to best care for the bird species you want. One of the best ways to give a companion bird a good life is to let it out of its cage often and for long periods.

The Nuance of Freeing Birds

The concept of freeing birds has a different meaning depending on where you’re at in the world. In Asia, it is most often associated with people selling caged birds to release karma. Throughout the Western world, it represents the illegal bird trade and the controversy of keeping birds as pets.

Both issues point to the fact that birds represent a freedom we humans can’t fully understand. With the amazing ability to fly, birds live a life without containment or restriction. As such, there is a moral dilemma in seeing a caged bird, for containment is against the bird’s nature.

Freeing birds is a complex topic with deep spiritual and cultural roots. What are your thoughts on the freeing birds practice in Asian cultures? How do you feel about keeping pets as companion birds? Let’s keep the conversations open and friendly while sharing our perspectives.

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