Masked Gnatcatcher

Polioptila dumicola

Least ConcernUncommonInvertebratesWoodlandCup nestTiny · 7 g

About the Masked Gnatcatcher

The masked gnatcatcher is a small songbird in the family Polioptilidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The masked gnatcatcher is 12 to 13 cm (4.7 to 5.1 in) long and weighs 5 to 7 g (0.18 to 0.25 oz), larger than most other gnatcatchers. The nominate male has a large black mask with a thin white line below it. Its forehead, crown, nape, and upperparts are blue-gray. Its tail is mostly black with white outer feathers. Its throat is pale gray fading to whitish on the belly. The nominate female does not have a mask but instead a black crescent down from the eye. Its upperparts are duller and not as bluish. P. d. Voice: The nominate masked gnatcatcher's loudsong is "variable, short, sweet and musical" . P. d. berlepschi's loudsong is quite different: . The species also has a variety of calls .

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Blue-grey Gnatcatcher vs Masked Gnatcatcher · Black-tailed Gnatcatcher vs Masked Gnatcatcher · Masked Gnatcatcher vs Tropical Gnatcatcher

Learn the Masked Gnatcatcher for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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