You can use it for research or reference. To access the current site visit current site.
The Gray Catbird inhabits dense, shrubby habitat across much of southern Canada. Results from the Breeding Bird Survey indicate the species has shown little overall change in its population in Canada since 1970. However, at the regional level, populations are increasing west of the Rockies and declining in the northeast, particularly within the Atlantic Northern Forest and Boreal Hardwood Transition Bird Conservation Regions. Habitat loss and degradation on both the wintering and breeding grounds are some of the likely causes for these regional declines (Smith et al. 2011). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Gray Catbird populations have benefited from clearing and channeling of forested areas for power lines and roads, and planting of shrubs in suburban areas (Smith et al. 2011). However, elimination of hedgerows and windbreaks in agricultural areas on their breeding grounds, as well as shrub loss due to urbanization on their coastal wintering grounds, are contributing to the loss and degradation of habitat (Smith et al. 2011). Gray Catbirds also collide with both vehicles and towers, sometimes in large numbers during migration. Because they fly low to the ground, Gray Catbirds seem particularly susceptible to collisions (Smith et al. 2011; see also Bishop and Brogan 2013).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.