Blue Jay & Catbird mimicry of other mimics

[Sean S]

Yesterday the Blue Jay (or one of them) that regularly does hawk imitations near the feeder was seen & recorded imitating the rapidly clicking "ratchet" sounds which the local Common Ravens sometimes make.  Just a few minutes later and not to be outdone, a Catbird singing from a nearby tree incorporated 2 perfect Blue Jay "queedles" into its song sequence, along with a Hairy Woodpecker's rattle and call note, as well as a Red-bellied Woodpecker call... all within a 42 second segment.  While Mockingbirds are usually the mimic thrush whose songs are noted for their variety, and Brown Thrashers sometimes have a vast repertoire as well, this Catbird's fidelity to its sources is remarkable to my ears.

List with audio files: https://ebird.org/checklist/S137790029

Sean Smith

Hiram, ME

[jon edstrom]

Yesterday I was in Biddeford Pool on First St. and I called out a very loud Mockingbird. Moments later, the bird revealed itself... a catbird, which continued its impersonation.

Jon E

Biddeford

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[chr...@myfairpoint.net]

This is why I never trust the call of a Red-shouldered Hawk--until I see the bird.  Blue Jays do such an good imitation of them.

When I lived out west, a friend and I were birding along a stream  in a valley where there should not have been any Steller's Jays.  But we heard one very distinctly--until it popped into view.  It was a Yellow-breasted Chat.

Wally S.

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[Richard Garrigus]

I’ve often had the impression that you can get an informal—though not ever complete, of course—census of the birds that have recently been in the vicinity of a Catbird that is on its claimed territory. I pay closer attention whenever they speak a special language.

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