California Gnatcatcher
Polioptila californica
The California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) is a uncommon gnatwrens and gnatcatcher found in 2 countries, weighing about 6 g. The California gnatcatcher is a small, 10.8-centimetre-long (4.3 in) insectivorous bird which frequents dense coastal sage scrub growth.
About the California Gnatcatcher
The California gnatcatcher is a small, 10.8-centimetre-long (4.3 in) insectivorous bird which frequents dense coastal sage scrub growth. This species was recently split from the similar black-tailed gnatcatcher of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. This bird is often solitary, but joins with other birds in winter flocks.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The male California gnatcatcher is dusky gray overall, distinguished only by its black crown and thin black beak. It has a long, thin black tail with narrow white tips and edges on the underside of the tail feathers. However, the male loses its plumage colors by winter and obtains a plumage color similar to the females. The female is similar to the male, but with a blue-gray instead of a black crown.
Where it lives
When to see it
The California Gnatcatcher can be seen all year round, with peak activity in December. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a California Gnatcatcher?
- The male California gnatcatcher is dusky gray overall, distinguished only by its black crown and thin black beak. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a California Gnatcatcher?
- The California Gnatcatcher is a tiny sized bird weighing about 6 g.
- Where can you see a California Gnatcatcher?
- The California Gnatcatcher occurs in 2 countries, including the United States and Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a California Gnatcatcher?
- The California Gnatcatcher is most easily confused with the White-lored Gnatcatcher, the Black-capped Gnatcatcher and the Yucatan Gnatcatcher.
- Is the California Gnatcatcher endangered?
- The California Gnatcatcher is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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