Whether you are a young bird enthusiast or an adult one, a bird that can make quirky noises will always make you feel excited.
From birds that sound like frogs to birds mimicking the sound of humans, cats, and other different species, they have been all a part of the beautiful avian tapestry that makes everyone appreciate as well as enjoy the birds’ presence.
It’s like having a secret decoder for bird calls that helps find the elusive feathered companions more easily and identify the differences.
Moreover, knowing about birds that sound like cats can become a real crowd pleading for information. It’s just one more intriguing puzzle piece in our avian world, making it more diverse than ever.
Scroll through and explore the wondrous variety of birds that sound like cats!
Contents
Unveiling The Mystery: Identifying Birds That Mimic Cats
The most cat-sounding bird is the Gray Catbirds. In addition to that, we have gathered six other birds that sound like cats.
Let’s dive deeper into it.
Gray Catbird
Source: @pandemic_birder
- Scientific Name: Dumetella carolinensis
- Size: 20.5 to 24 cm (8.1 to 9.4 in)
- Weight: 23.2 to 56.5 g (0.8 to 2.0 oz)
- Wingspan: 22 to 30 cm (8.7 to 11.8 in)
- Locality: North America and Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Between April and early August.
As an omnivorous species, half of the Gray Catbirds diet consists of fruit and berries. They also consume mealworms, earthworms, beetles, and other bugs. Moreover, during summer, they tend to eat mostly ants, beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and moths. On rare occasions, they will even peck at the eggs of other species.
Recognition
This species does not have sexual dimorphism, and both sexes look almost identical in appearance. Staying true to its name, the Grey Catbird has lead-shaded grey all over its body apart from the top of its head.
Nesting Facts
The Grey Catbird prefers semi-open areas as its breeding ground. They don’t get intimidated by the presence of humans and will breed in all types of habitats, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. Their nests are usually cup-shaped and constructed close to the ground.
| Clutch Size | 1 to 5 eggs |
| Egg Length | 2.2 to 2.6 cm (0.9 to 1.0 in) |
| Incubation Period | 12 to 15 days |
| Nestling Period | 10 to 11 days |
The call of this bird is the most similar to a cat’s call. In addition, it can imitate the songs of other birds and occasionally mechanical noises.
Great-horned Owl
Source: @keithwillisncl
- Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
- Size: 43 to 64 cm (17 to 25 in)
- Weight: 1,608 to 1,224 g ( 56.7 to 43.1 oz)
- Wingspan: 91 to 153 cm (35.8 to 60.2 in)
- Locality: America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: January and Early February
Similar to most other owl species, the Great-horned Owl is famous for its secrecy and stealthiness. Both during the night and roosting during the day, it can fly around while keeping itself well hidden.
Recognition
The appearance of the Great-horned Owl is the best one for camouflaging. Both upperparts and underparts are slightly dark brown to light-shaded brown with distinctive barring.
Nesting Facts
This species is known for being the earliest nesting species in North America. Sometimes, it will even lay eggs days or months prior to any other raptorial birds. The males typically select nesting sites and then stomp their feet on them to show them to the females.
| Clutch Size | 1 to 4 eggs |
| Egg Length | 5.3 to 5.6 cm (2.1 to 2.2 in) |
| Incubation Period | 30 to 37 days |
| Nestling Period | 42 days |
The common song of the Great-horned Owl sounds like “ho-ho-hoo hoo hoo.” This song is usually low-pitched but loud. The females’ songs, on the other hand, are higher in pitch. Sometimes, it creates a meowing noise that can be mistaken as a cat’s call.
Green Catbird
Source: @bigsammysbirds
- Scientific Name: Ailuroedus crassirostris
- Size: 24 to 33 cm (9.45 to 12.99 in)
- Weight: 207g (7.3 oz)
- Wingspan: 28 to 30 cm (11 to 11.8 in)
- Locality: East coast of Australia
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: September to January
Green Catbirds are not highly sociable. Usually, bird watchers spot them foraging or hovering alone. However, they socialize in pairs and sometimes in groups of 3 to 5 members near the end of the breeding season. Outside the breeding season, they would even flock in groups of up to 20 birds.
Recognition
This medium-sized bird has stunning emerald green plumage with bright, pure white spots all over its body, making it look visually appealing. The tail is also emerald green with brownish hues and white tips. The iris is a contrasting fiery red with a white eye-ring that is visible only under direct sunlight.
Nesting Facts
The nest of this species is placed in the dense crown of a low understory tree with proper support. It needs additional support as the nests are usually large and bulky and built with large sticks and dry leaves as inner lining.
| Clutch Size | 2 to 3 eggs |
| Egg Length | 2.5 to 3 cm ( 1 to 1.2 in) |
| Incubation Period | 23 to 24 days |
| Nestling Period | 22 days |
The Green Catbird produces different types of noises. However, the most common one is “heer-I-aar” and “heeeir-Ieee-aaa-aarr.” Sometimes, its calls sound similar to a crying child or a distressed cat.
Black Catbird
Source: @davidtbryon
- Scientific Name: Melanoptila glabrirostris
- Size: 19 to 20.5 cm (7.5 to 8.1 in)
- Weight: 31.6 to 42 g (1.11 to 1.48 oz)
- Wingspan: 22 to 24 cm ( 8.7 to 9.4 in)
- Locality: Yucatán Peninsula, Campeche, Northern Guatemala, and Northern Belize
- Status: Near Threatened
- Breeding Season: Spring to Summer
The Black Catbird prefers inhabiting semi-arid to humid areas at relatively low elevations. The habitat preference ranges from scrublands to abandoned farmlands. It is more commonly found in areas with dense thickets, scrub, or understory.
Recognition
There is little to no sexual dimorphism among both sexes of this species, except that the males tend to weigh a little more. As per its name, the Black Catbird has a glossy jet-black color all over its body with a purplish sheen.
Nesting Facts
The Black Catbird typically builds its nest with twigs that look like an open cup. It is placed in a low space lined with rootlets and in a dense bush or small tree so that it stays safe.
| Clutch Size | 2-eggs |
| Egg Length | 2 to 2.5 cm ( 0.8 to 1 in) |
| Incubation Period | 17 days |
| Nestling Period | About 30 days |
Unlike other birds of similar species, the Black Catbird can not directly mimic any species. However, sometimes it produces calls that sound close to the calls of a Gray Catbird, such as rriah, a nasal chrrh, and a grating tcheeu. These noises often sound cat-like.
Spotted Catbird
Source: @takanagaphotogallery
- Scientific Name: Ailuroedus maculosus
- Size: 26 to 30 cm ( 10.2 to 11.8 in)
- Weight: 168 to 180 g (5.9 to 6.3 oz)
- Wingspan: 23 to 27 cm ( 9 to 10.6 in)
- Locality: Australia
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: September to December
Similar to cats, the Spotted Catbird is a curious species. It becomes aware of its intruder but does not avoid it. This species keeps calling until it comes across its intruder and watches closely at its behavior.
Recognition
Adults have a blackish cap and ear patch. Their upperparts are vibrant green with olive patterns and white streaks on the underparts. Their tails are green as well, with white tips, and their eyes are vivid red.
Nesting Facts
Unlike other bower species, the Spotted Catbird prefers making a nest. Only females are responsible for building it. They create a cup-shaped nest with sticks and twigs. New nests are constructed close to the old ones.
| Clutch Size | 1 to 3 eggs |
| Egg Length | 2 to 2.5 cm ( 0.8 to 1 in) |
| Incubation Period | 22 to 23 days |
| Nestling Period | 19 to 20 days |
The Spotted Catbird typically produces a “here-I-arr” call along with three loud cries. Sometimes, their voice may sound like that of a loud cat-wailing. They call more frequently during cool temperatures at dawn and dusk, especially on dewy mornings and after rain.
Tooth-billed Bowerbird
Source: @dianne_a_s
- Scientific Name: Scenopoeetes dentirostris
- Size: 27 cm (11 in)
- Weight: 157 to 199 g (5.5 to 7 oz)
- Wingspan: 15 to 18 cm (5.9 to 7.1 in)
- Locality: Northeast Queensland, Australia
- Status: Near Threatened
- Breeding Season: September to January
The Tooth-billed Bowerbird, a mid-sized species, is also known as the Stage-maker Bowerbird or Tooth-billed Catbird. It is the only existing member of the Scenopoeetes genus. It usually prefers inhabiting the mountain forests in its distribution.
Recognition
This species does not possess any sexual dimorphism. Its whole body is olive-brown, and even its iris is also brown. The underpart is buffish white with distinctive brown streaks. One of the most fascinating parts about its appearance is its serrated bill.
Nesting Facts
There’s not much known about its nesting habits. Their breeding includes the males creating an elaborate display court or a “stage-type bower,” which the males decorate with different materials.
| Clutch Size | 1 to 2 eggs |
| Egg Length | 2.5 to 3 cm (1 to 1.2 in). |
| Incubation Period | 19 to 24 days |
| Nestling Period | Varies Depending on the Region |
The sounds of this bird include cat-like noises, songs, whistles, chirping, and clicks.
Abyssinian Catbird
Source: @mikepopephotography
- Scientific Name: Sylvia galinieri
- Size: 19 cm (7.5 in)
- Locality: Ethiopia
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: February to August (or January to July)
The Abyssinian Catbird is popular for its songs and possessing a wide array of dietary preferences. It consumes small berries, fruits, insects, etc.
Recognition
This small-sized babbler species has a light-shaded grey that gets dark as the color spreads to the back. The belly, on the contrary, is all white. The head is also grey with a hint of black highlights around the eye.
Nesting Facts
The Abyssinian Catbird formulates its nest with a tangle of vines and plant sterns. Their eggs are pale-colored with dark spots.
| Clutch Size | 2-eggs |
| Incubation Period | 16 to 18 days |
| Nestling Period | 15 to 18 days |
This species is known for being one of the finest African bird singers. During rainy seasons, the males and females harmonize to create soothing, melodic songs. The females often produce a cat-like purring noise.
White-eared Catbird
Source: @victor.tapia.o
- Scientific Name: Ailuroedus buccoides
- Size: 24 cm (9.4 in)
- Weight: 100 to 172 g (3.5 to 6.1 oz)
- Locality: New Guinea and the West Papuan Islands
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Different According to region
During the breeding season, the White-eared Catbird tends to engage in a somewhat elaborate courtship display to attract females. Their breeding season can vary depending on region and climate change.
Recognition
The overall plumage of this species is olive-green, which provides excellent camouflage. Staying true to its name, it has a white ear patch. It also has a dark crown and bluish eyering.
Nesting Facts
Both parents are responsible for incubating. The chicks receive care even a while after their fledging. Their nests are cup-shaped, and their preferred nesting location requires shelter and concealment.
| Clutch Size | 1-egg |
| Incubation Period | 17 to 24 days |
| Nestling Period | 17 to 23 days |
FAQ
This section is to take a closer look at cat-sounding birds. We have gathered a couple of frequently asked questions and answered them to help you in your inquiries.
Q: Which seabird makes a cat-like sound?
Ans: The seabird that sounds most closely to a cat is the green catbird (Ailuroedus crassirostris). It is a bowerbird species that can be easily found near subtropical forests along the east coast of Australia, from southeastern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Q: What bird sounds like Kitty Kitty Kitty?
Ans: The bird’s call that sounds like a “here kitty kitty kitty” is known as the endangered Bachman’s sparrow. This plain brown species is hard to spot during the non-breeding season. During the breeding season, it can be found sitting atop a stem or branch and singing out in different octaves.
Parting Thoughts
Whether you are a serious bird lover, a curious nature buff, or someone who wants to enjoy the diversity in the world, this article will help you get into that.
Identifying birds that sound like cats is like discovering a hidden gem in the bird kingdom. Nature lovers are like detectives in the wild, ready to uncover the secrets of the animal world. Knowing exactly what birds make sounds like cats is like having a superpower of identification.
Sharing cool tidbits like birds that sound like cats works like a real eye-opener if you want to get your friends or acquaintances to feel excited about birds watching like you.
Exploring the puzzling mysteries of our world, one chirp at a time is all part of the birdwatching adventure.
So, get your knack for eavesdropping in the wild at work and learn about birds that sound like cats.
