Gray Catbirds in New Hampshire
When catbirds are present in New Hampshire, when they nest, which native New Hampshire plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–6a yard.
- Status in New Hampshire
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
When to expect catbirds in New Hampshire
Gray Catbirds are summer residents in New Hampshire, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on ants, beetles and caterpillars.
Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Nesting in New Hampshire
Across New Hampshire, catbirds typically nest from June–July. Nest site: bulky cup deep in dense thickets or vines. Females lay 1–6 eggs, incubate for 12–14 days, and young leave the nest after 10–11 days.
Mild summers; nesting starts late May.
- Gray Catbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, serviceberry, winterberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native New Hampshire plants that attract catbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for New Hampshire, these 8 provide food or cover catbirds use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Feeding catbirds through the New Hampshire year
Catbirds rarely eat seed but visit oriole jelly feeders and fruiting shrubs; dense thickets bring them in.
- Best foods: Grape jelly, Oranges, Mealworms, Fresh berries.
- In New Hampshire's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are catbirds in New Hampshire year-round?
No. Gray Catbirds are summer breeders in New Hampshire and leave for the winter.
When do catbirds nest in New Hampshire?
Nesting in New Hampshire typically runs June–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 1–6 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract catbirds in New Hampshire?
Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Smooth sumac, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry are native plants in New Hampshire that provide food or cover for catbirds.
Gray Catbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Hampshire
Sources
- Gray Catbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Gray Catbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Gray Catbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Hampshire
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.