Shawn Amos

The Woodstock dove on the iconic poster is really a catbird. And it was originally perched on a flute.

American Musician

Natasha Trethewey

From the catbird seat, I've found poetry to be the necessary utterance it has always been in America.

American Poet

Red Barber

American Celebrity

Use 'catbird' to refer specifically to the bird species, not any bird that makes a similar sound.

Bird Species

'Catbird' is known for its distinctive call, which resembles a cat's meow, giving it its name.

Distinct Call

Remember that 'catbird' is native to North America; it's not as common in other regions.

Native Region

Use 'catbird seat' metaphorically to describe a position of advantage in competitions or arguments.

Metaphorical Advantage

The phrase 'catbird seat' is informal, so use it in casual conversations rather than formal writing.

Informal Expression

The idiom 'catbird seat' is primarily used in American English and may be unfamiliar to other English speakers.

American English

 though theirs are pure white. The gray catbird, on the other hand, is an expert at rooting out the very same parasites. It memorizes what the first egg in its nest looks like, which is usually its own, and tosses any aberrations.