How to Identify a Catbird

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Start at the top of the catbird's head, moving your eyes down to the tip of its tail. You can identify a catbird by its long tail, which narrows sharply into a point at the end.
Step 2:
Consider color. The catbird does not have any stripes or other identifying marks to break up the deep gray color of its feathers, crown and chest. The beak and claws are pure black.
Step 3:
Follow the food. Search for catbirds in areas with heavy insect populations, which compose their primary food source.
Step 4:
Listen for chirping. The catbird uses quick chirps to communicate danger. During mating season, the male catbird loudly chirps, and the female catbird quietly coos in response.
Step 5:
Calculate wingspan. The average catbird has a wingspan of 10 inches, although fully-grown catbirds can have wingspans as wide as 12 inches.
Step 6:
Monitor debris outside of a catbird's nest to determine if another bird is trying to lay eggs on claimed territory. Catbirds will dispose of the eggs of other birds laid in their nest to ensure they have ample room for nesting.
Step 7:
Gather egg shells to identify a new brood of catbirds. A catbird lays up to five turquoise-colored shells each reproductive period. The eggs are colored turquoise.

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