When we started to learn about Kitty, I was hung up on one thing. I realized that there are two spellings for gray and so I was hung up on “why”!?! This really came about because we lived in Dubai for so long where British English is used and periodically when I’m writing and reading, I stumble upon a word that I have been spelling differently for that very reason. Gray is the preferred spelling for American English and grey is the preferred British English spelling. Guess which one Burgess used? Gray! It is interesting to know, however, that he didn’t call Kitty the Gray Catbird, but instead referred to him as “Kitty the Catbird.”
Let’s read how he described Kitty in detail,
In contrast with Glory (the Northern Cardinal), Kitty seemed a regular little Quaker, for he was dressed almost wholly in gray, a rather dark, slaty-gray. The top of his head and tail were black, and right at the base of his tail was a patch of chestnut color. He was a little smaller than Welcome Robin. There was no danger of mistaking him for anybody else, for there is no one dressed at all like him.
Thornton W. Burgess, The Burgess Bird Book for Children, Living Books Press edition, p. 137
I absolutely love that Kitty is all gray except for the black top and tail. I think he is the most handsome bird and it’s true, there is certainly no mistaking him. You may forever be confused by his call because it can sound like a “harsh and unpleasant” cry of a cat, as detailed by Burgess. He is related to Mocker, the Mockingbird, however so his range and skill in singing are varying and dynamic!
Find his cries for yourself here and a little bit more about Kitty here: All Things Birdie Youtube Video “Gray Catbird”
Here is what we gathered about Kitty:
Have you ever heard Kitty in the thicket but not seen him? I certainly have!
Until next time, keep birding <3 Kate
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