Black Catbird vs Blue-and-white Mockingbird

Black Catbird

Melanoptila glabrirostris

Small35 gWoodland

At 19–20.5 cm (7.5–8.1 in) in length and 31.6–42 g (1.11–1.48 oz) in mass, the black catbird is the smallest of the mimids. It has short, rounded wings and a relatively long tail. The sexes are similar in appearance, though the male tends to be heavier. The plumage is glossy black with a purplish sheen overall, though the rectrices and primary and secondary coverts have a greenish sheen and the remiges are a duller blackish-brown color showing reduced sheen. The female is less glossy than the male, and juveniles are brownish-gray with mottling below. The legs are black. Voice: Unlike many of its fellow mimids, the black catbird is not known to imitate any other species. Its song consists of repeated phrases of notes ranging from harsh and scratchy to warbled and flute-like, often interspersed with metallic clicking buzzes. It often sings from exposed perches.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Alexis Williams · CC BY 4.0

Blue-and-white Mockingbird

Melanotis hypoleucus

Medium68 gForest

The blue-and-white mockingbird is 24.2 to 28 cm (9.5 to 11.0 in) long; 20 specimens had a mean mass of 68 g (2.4 oz). The adults' upperparts are a dull slate blue that is slightly brighter on the crown. The wings and tail are slaty black. A conspicuous black "mask" covers from the lores past the eye. The underparts are white darkening to bluish or slate gray on the flanks and vent area. The juvenile has a similar pattern but its upperparts are dull slaty gray instead of blue. Voice: The blue-and-white mockingbird's song has been described as "an amazing medley of bird notes... a rapid series of monosyllables, now a shrill squeak, now a whistle, now a guttural croak...certainly not musical or harmonious". It also has a wide variety of calls.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Grete Pasch · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black Catbird and Blue-and-white Mockingbird.