
This species, formerly lumped with California Gnatcatcher, is best distinguished by the tail pattern. From below, the tail appears mostly black, with white spots on the ends of the outer two sets of tail feathers. Alternate Male: Blue-gray above, with a black cap, white eye ring, mostly black tail, and whitish edges on the tertials. Underparts are grayish-white. Basic Male: Lacks black cap. Shows an indistinct black line over the eye. Female: Similar to male, but lacks black on head. Upperparts are washed brownish.
Length: 10 (cm) Wingspan: 15 (cm)
Voice:
Call is a series of high squeaky notes, followed by a harsh buzz: teet teet teet chsssh.
Habitat:
Desert thorn-scrub; prefers vegetation with thorns.
Behavior:
Like other gnatcatchers, this species often holds its tail cocked up and flips it side to side as it moves about.
Feeding:
Gleans insects from foliage.
Field Notes
Expanded Life History
Feed Ecology And Diet | Contribute Content |
Nesting Habits | Contribute Content |
Migration Status | Contribute Content |
Conservation Status | Contribute Content |
Local Sites to Spot | Contribute Content |
Abundance Status | Contribute Content |
Adult Male Description | Contribute Content |
Adult Female Description | Contribute Content |
ITIS Taxonomic Number | Contribute Content |
Sonogram | Contribute Content |
Courtship | Contribute Content |
Reproductive Characteristics | Contribute Content |
Relationship to Humans | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Size & Shape | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Color & Pattern | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Habitat | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Behavior | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Wingspan | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Weight | Contribute Content |
Breeding | Contribute Content |
Cool Facts | Contribute Content |
Local Knowledge | Contribute Content |
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Sightings
Date | Submitted By | Count |
---|---|---|
12/28/11 | dawn villaescusa, OR | 2 |
03/24/05 | robbie wheeling | 0 |
03/19/05 | robbie wheeling | 0 |
Recent Activity
Activity | Date & Time |
---|---|
dawn villaescusa added Black-tailed Gnatcatcher to their Las Vegas, NV smart list | 12/29/2011 at 11:11AM |