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Step 1
Understand that the Catbird is easily identified by its dark gray plumage, black cap and black tail.
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Step 2
Know the Catbird has a mew like call that is followed by the mimicking of other birds.
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Step 3
Keep in mind that the Catbird stays mainly in dense thickets that are low to the ground.
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Step 4
Know that Catbirds are more likely to be seen in pairs than Northern Mockingbirds.
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Step 5
Understand that Northern Mockingbirds can easily be recognized in flight because of the outer white tail feathers and the patches of white on its wings.
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Step 6
Know that the body of the Northern Mockingbird is a much lighter shade of gray than the Catbird and it also has more black on its wings.
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Step 7
Don't forget that sometimes at midnight, when the moon is full the Northern Mockingbird can be heard mimicking a few nocturnal birds as well as day time birds.
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Step 8
Be aware that sometimes the Northern Mockingbird seems almost tame and will allow you to get close to them.
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Step 9
Know that unlike the Catbird, who likes to keep a low profile in thickets, the Northern Mockingbird like to perch on top of telephone poles and in tree tops.
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Step 10
Remember that Northern Mockingbirds can sing for hours at a time.
