Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) - local seasonal appearance

Based on 18 observations in Seymour township, Northumberland county, southeast Ontario, 1999-2003.

The catbird is seen in the area for barely more than three months in the summer, between 12 May and 24 August. It is a common migrant and summer resident at Presqu'ile provincial park, roughly 40 km to the south (LaForest, 1993, pp.286-287). Seen as early as 26 April, it is most commonly seen in mid-May. The birds mostly leave in early October, and have been seen as late as 21 October. LaForest also comments on observations of destruction by catbirds of the eggs of neighbouring birds which `may reduce competition for food resources near the nest'. The bird is also common in Peterborough county, to the northwest, with the usual range listed as 01 May to 02 October, the extremes 28 April to 19 October (Sadler, 1983, p.124).

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