Its head has a black cap and under its black tail is a distinct, chestnut patch at the base. The bird's bill and legs are black as well. The adult male and female catbirds and the juveniles are all very similar in appearance, although the babies have stubbier tails. The gray catbird is a sociable creature, often found inhabiting shrubs, vines and hedges near houses. The catbird also sings beautiful, bubbling successions of musical notes, and reproduces phrases of other birds' songs in the manner of its southern cousin, the mockingbird.
Catbirds are primarily insectivorous, and their presence is a great benefit to the home gardener.
They particularly enjoy eating the destructive cutworm, and are adroit in the capture of moths. They also dine upon wild berries in early Autumn, such as those of the spicebush, dogwood, sassafras and Virginia Creeper. These berries are not sweet, and do not appeal to mammals. Catbirds return to the same neighborhood year after year to raise their families. John Burroughs writes an anecdote concerning a friend of his who had a pair of catbirds return three years in a row to her property.