Gray Catbirds in Newfoundland and Labrador
When catbirds are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.
- Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–6b
When to expect catbirds in Newfoundland and Labrador
Gray Catbirds are summer residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on ants, beetles and caterpillars.
Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador
Across Newfoundland and Labrador, 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.
Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.
- Gray Catbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as winterberry, eastern white pine, paper birch for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract catbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 8 provide food or cover catbirds use:
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Feeding catbirds through the Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are catbirds in Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?
No. Gray Catbirds are summer breeders in Newfoundland and Labrador and leave for the winter.
When do catbirds nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador?
Winterberry, Eastern white pine, Paper birch, Red maple, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for catbirds.
Gray Catbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador
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 — Newfoundland and Labrador
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- 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.