Black CatbirdMelanoptila glabrirostrisSlender-billed, glossy black bird of humid forest, woodland, thickets, and overgrown clearings; shape and habits like Gray Catbird of North America. Common on Cozumel Island, but generally uncommon to rare on the Yucatan mainland. Often sings from a prominent perch, but otherwise rather retiring and easily overlooked, mainly at low levels in bushes; also hops on the ground, flipping and fanning its tail. Told from other black songbirds in its geographic range by habits and slender bill.Mimidae bird family
Order Passeriformes · 6 selected species
Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.
Black CatbirdMelanoptila glabrirostrisSlender-billed, glossy black bird of humid forest, woodland, thickets, and overgrown clearings; shape and habits like Gray Catbird of North America. Common on Cozumel Island, but generally uncommon to rare on the Yucatan mainland. Often sings from a prominent perch, but otherwise rather retiring and easily overlooked, mainly at low levels in bushes; also hops on the ground, flipping and fanning its tail. Told from other black songbirds in its geographic range by habits and slender bill.Black CatbirdMelanoptila glabrirostrisSlender-billed, glossy black bird of humid forest, woodland, thickets, and overgrown clearings; shape and habits like Gray Catbird of North America. Common on Cozumel Island, but generally uncommon to rare on the Yucatan mainland. Often sings from a prominent perch, but otherwise rather retiring and easily overlooked, mainly at low levels in bushes; also hops on the ground, flipping and fanning its tail. Told from other black songbirds in its geographic range by habits and slender bill.
Brown ThrasherToxostoma rufumThe only thrasher in most of eastern North America. Fairly large and very long-tailed, with bright rufous upperparts and heavily streaked underparts. Also note white wingbars, staring yellow eyes, and slightly decurved bill. Usually skulky and difficult to see in shrubby habitats, especially second-growth woodland, thickets, and forest edge. Listen for its loud song, a long series of paired phrases, often containing mimicry of other species. Most similar to Long-billed Thrasher, but almost no range overlap. Brown Thrasher is brighter rufous above and lacks the contrasting gray face of Long-billed.
Curve-billed ThrasherToxostoma curvirostrePlain grayish-brown thrasher of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Look for decurved bill and fairly faint round spots on breast and belly. Undertail coverts are slightly warmer buffy. Eye color varies from yellow to orange. Occurs in deserts and open, shrubby areas. Can be shy and skulking, but often perches atop a bush or cactus to sing. More common in suburban areas and parks than other thrashers in range. Most similar to Bendire’s Thrasher. Note Curve-billed has a slightly longer and more curved bill, and breast spots are slightly larger and rounder.
Gray CatbirdDumetella carolinensisMedium-sized songbird with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail coverts. Sexes alike. Occurs in shrubby habitats, especially thickets or second-growth at the edge of forest, often near water. Usually quite skulking, but sometimes pops up conspicuously, especially when singing. Occasionally visits feeders, especially for suet. Listen for complex, jumbled song, which often includes mimicry of other species.
Northern MockingbirdMimus polyglottosCommon and fairly widespread across much of North America and the Caribbean. Medium-sized songbird with a relatively long tail, small head, and short bill. Gray above and paler whitish below. Note white wingbars and large white patch at the base of the primaries. Found in a variety of open habitats with scattered bushes or trees, often close to human settlements. Well-known for its impressive mimicry; often includes a wide range of other birds, car alarms, slamming doors, and other mechanical noises in its song. Limited range overlap with Tropical Mockingbird at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico; Northern is most easily identified by its large white wing patches.