Birdsong field guide
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
Polioptila melanura
A tiny, energetic songbird of the southwestern deserts, characterized by its blue-gray plumage and a long, dark tail that it frequently fanned and flicked.
What it sounds like
A series of thin, dry, and raspy 'chee' or 'zee' notes, often sounding more nasal and lower-pitched than those of its relatives.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- Breeding males feature a distinctive glossy black cap that fades to gray during the winter months.
- Unlike many other gnatcatchers, this species is a non-migratory, year-round resident of its desert territory.
- The underside of its tail is mostly black with very narrow white outer edges, a key field mark distinguishing it from the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.
- They construct sturdy, cup-shaped nests using spider webs, plant fibers, and bark strips, typically hidden in low shrubs.
- Despite their small size, they are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nesting sites from intruders.
Habitat
Arid desert scrub, particularly regions dominated by creosote bush, mesquite, and acacia.
Range
Southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, extending south into central Mexico.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Black-capped GnatcatcherPolioptila nigricepsBlue-gray GnatcatcherPolioptila caeruleaCalifornia GnatcatcherPolioptila californicaCreamy-bellied GnatcatcherPolioptila lacteaCuban GnatcatcherPolioptila lembeyeiGuianan GnatcatcherPolioptila guianensisInambari GnatcatcherPolioptila attenboroughiIquitos GnatcatcherPolioptila clementsi
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