Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea
Perching
Length: 4 in. (11 cm )
This gnatcatcher occurs in a wide variety of habitats but is most common in tall forest and riparian areas at mid elevations. It hunts actively and conspicuously for insects on the leaves and vegetation of trees and tall bushes with its tail constantly moving up and down and to the side. During the winter it descends to lower elevations and frequently forages in mixed species flocks that include other species of gnatcatchers in the west. Its small cup nest is balanced on top of a large branch and consists of lichens, plant down and spider webbing.
The four-digit banding code is BGGN.
Male |
Female |
Chaparral
Fir forest
Mesquite bosque
Oak-pine woodland
Riparian / River forest
Savanna
Shrubs
Bibliographic details:
- Article: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
- Author(s): Dr. Biology
- Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
- Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
- Date published: 13 Jul, 2017
- Date accessed:
- Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/blue-gray-gnatcatcher
APA Style
Dr. Biology. (Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:36). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/blue-gray-gnatcatcher
Chicago Manual of Style
Dr. Biology. "Blue-gray Gnatcatcher". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/blue-gray-gnatcatcher
MLA 2017 Style
Dr. Biology. "Blue-gray Gnatcatcher". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/blue-gray-gnatcatcher
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