Bird identification question.

[3catwoman3]

Within the past 10 days or so, I've seen a new-to-me bird on our patio.

It is bigger than a sparrow and smaller than a female redwing blackbird. It is solid gray in color, including the beak, and the gray is fairly dark - I'd call it slate. No spots, speckles or markings around the eyes. It doesn't stay still long enough for me to catch a picture or to see any more details

The closest match I've found on line or in my bird books is a gray catbird.

[Quakerfriend]

1. If it has a black cap, that would be a cat bird.

It makes meow sounds like a cat too.

They are very friendly and easily trained.

[3catwoman3]

2. Thnx. I'll try to take better notice...

...of its head next time I see it - if it sits still long enough.

[3Hotdogs]

5. Mocker has a tail that bobs up and down.

[Dave in VA]

4. Does this help?

See these all the time in our yard.