Catbird behavior

[Michelle Gregoire]

We have a suet cage with a roof so only woodpeckers, nuthatches and other birds that are comfortable upside down are able to feed from it - keeps the starlings away. A very clever 

Gray Catbird has learned how to jump from the deck railing and hover for a second, long enough to reach up and grab a bit from the underside of the cage. Perhaps it learned to hover by watching the hummingbirds (just kidding)?

Michelle Gregoire

Westbrook

[Sean S]

Catbirds are fun birds to have around and they're always welcome at our suet.  The downside of having an accessible suet block is that Starlings (annoying) and Grackles (even more annoying because of the way they use their saw-like bills to hack off huge chunks) can partake at will.  And then there's the issue of Squirrels, which sometimes have to be bribed away with peanuts and other treats.  But it's still worth it to be able to allow Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and other species to have access to suet during times, as it seems this year, when insects are in short supply.  I haven't seen any ticks this year (in itself, a welcome first), and only a couple of mosquitoes... very few moths on the window screens at night, not even many house flies vs. past years.

Catbirds have been nesting fixtures around the yard for several years now, I think in large part because of the suet feeder.  They have such colorful personalities and vocal talents.  Recently the male has been singing from a lilac bush at odd times during the night.  Last night he was doing a perfect, but louder imitation of a Gray Treefrog, mixed in with other mimicry.

Sean Smith

Hiram

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[David Gulick]

Our catbirds practically live on the suet! Can they develop coronary artery disease? Can catbirds have heart attacks or strokes? Perhaps I should grind up a statin and mix it in with the suet.

On May 27, 2026, at 9:46 AM, Sean S <therefro...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Sharon F.]

We have had several pairs of cat birds nesting around us for many years. 9-10 madly chase each other upon returning and feed on all the suet to be found! Also indulge in grape jelly and meal worms at every possible opportunity. Statins may not be a bad idea!

They are very cheery and entertaining to share a yard with. Noise level here is constant due to catbirds, Carolina wrens(incessant!),cardinals,Orioles and nesting house wrens!🐦

 Redstarts that nest near yard have returned again this spring as have a pair of Baltimore orioles. Worth getting through another winter!

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From: maine...@googlegroups.com <maine...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of David Gulick <dvdg...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 11:57 AM
To: Sean S <therefro...@gmail.com>
Cc: maine...@googlegroups.com <maine...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] Catbird behavior

 

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[Sarah Caputo]

I usually have a pair in the yard and a pair in the orchard, this year there are 3 in the yard, not sure what arrangement they have going on.  It is fun listening to what songs they pilfer and put in their repitoire.

Several chimney swifts flying over the house this morning, monitoring to see if they are using my chimney, guess no woodstove this cold weekend.

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Dr. Sarah Caputo

Belfast Veterinary Hospital

Mtn. Valley Farm Jacobs

Montville, ME

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From: maine...@googlegroups.com <maine...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Sharon F. <sfinl...@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2026 9:13:27 AM
To: David Gulick <dvdg...@gmail.com>; Sean S <therefro...@gmail.com>

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