catbird

[ kat-burd ]

noun

1. any of several American or Australian birds having catlike cries, especially Dumetella carolinensis gray catbird, of North America.

catbird

/ ˈkætˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any of several North American songbirds of the family Mimidae (mockingbirds), esp Dumetella carolinensis, whose call resembles the mewing of a cat
2. any of several Australian bowerbirds of the genera Ailuroedus and Scenopoeetes, having a catlike call

Word History and Origins

Origin of catbird¹

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10; cat ( def ) + bird

Example Sentences

Enchanted by catbirds singing near her new home, she signed up for an ornithology class and became a regular at Warner Park, a recreation center and urban wildlife refuge.

From Los Angeles Times

A year later, it is Mr. Trump who sits in the catbird seat with a massive polling lead in Iowa and it is Mr. DeSantis who is looking to reignite his star power.

From Washington Times

Chimney swift, northern flicker, fish crow, killdeer, Baltimore oriole and gray catbird among them.

From Seattle Times

Sen. Murray will be in the catbird seat making decisions on what legislation is included in the appropriations bills for the benefit of the country and our state.

From Seattle Times

I’ll welcome this feat From my sweet catbird seat For as long as he keeps me well fed.

From Scientific American