Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), MAPS station south of Dudleyville, Pinal County

These photos were taken by Wade Leitner and are of two separate Gray Catbirds banded at a new MAPS station south of Dudleyville near the San Pedro River. One individual was captured and banded on 8 June 2008 and the other in the same net(!) on 15 June. At least one of these individuals remained in the area when it was observed by the banders on 2 July 2008. Although nesting was not determined, two birds in the same area in June and one noted in July, suggest an attempt may have occurred.

There are few summer records in Arizona outside of the small White Mountain breeding population. There has been at least one other summer observation of Gray Catbird for the Dudleyville area: one near the Dudleyville crossing of the San Pedro River in the summer of 1985 (Troy Corman).  One was also observed there this winter.  Click here.

Gray Catbird is straightforward to identify:  Solid gray coloration with black cap; heavy black bill; dark eye; and size relative to banders hand; unfortunately the rusty undertail coverts cannot be seen in either photo

Submitting photos to AZFO does not constitute reporting a rare bird for consideration as an official record. To ensure that a record becomes official, details or photos of Sketch Details Species should be sent to the Editors of North American Birds and a full report of Review Species should be submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee. Most rare birds are under _documented and subsequent observers of a rarity are always encouraged to submit reports and additional photos, especially for birds that are challenging to identify.

08 and 15 June 2008, photos by Wade Leitner