Birdsong field guide
Cuban Gnatcatcher
Polioptila lembeyei
The Cuban Gnatcatcher is a small, restless insectivore endemic to Cuba, distinguished by its blue-gray plumage and active tail-flicking behavior.
What it sounds like
A thin, high-pitched, and buzzy series of notes, often described as a rapid 'shree-shree-shree' or squeaky trill.
Field notes
- It is the only member of the Polioptilidae family endemic to the Cuban archipelago.
- Features a unique, thin black crescent-shaped line (post-ocular line) looping behind each eye.
- The species is highly territorial and frequently seen in pairs patrolling dense, thorny vegetation.
- It constructs a neat, cup-shaped nest using spider webs and lichen to camouflage it against tree bark.
- While foraging, it constantly cocks and fans its long tail to flush out small insects and spiders.
Habitat
Arid coastal scrublands, xerophytic thickets, and dry lowland forests with thorny vegetation.
Range
Endemic to Cuba, primarily restricted to the southeastern coast and specific northern cays like Cayo Coco.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Black-capped GnatcatcherPolioptila nigricepsBlack-tailed GnatcatcherPolioptila melanuraBlue-gray GnatcatcherPolioptila caeruleaCalifornia GnatcatcherPolioptila californicaCreamy-bellied GnatcatcherPolioptila lacteaGuianan GnatcatcherPolioptila guianensisInambari GnatcatcherPolioptila attenboroughiIquitos GnatcatcherPolioptila clementsi
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