General Description: Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) are medium-sized, sexually monomorphic, gray birds with a black cap, rusty undertail coverts, and a big voice.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Mimidae.

Favored Habitat: Low, dense thickets.

Where to Find: Don't look for Gray Catbirds around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them on trips beyond the desert throughout the continent from southern Canada south and east to Florida, and then south into Central America.

Comments: Sings a loud, long song that goes on and on, sometimes mimicking the calls of other birds. Best identified by a loud series of harsh "mew" calls (like a cat).