Black-capped Gnatcatcher

Overview

The black-capped gnatcatcher (Polioptila nigriceps) is a small songbird belonging to the family Polioptilidae. It is found in Mexico and occasionally in the United States.

Identification

• Length of 10 to 12 cm with a weight of 5 to 8 g.
• Blue-gray upperparts and white underparts, with females showing less bluish tint than males.
• Long slender bill and a long black tail featuring mostly white outer feathers.
• Males in breeding plumage possess a glossy black cap.

Habitat

Found in western Mexico and occasionally in the Madrean sky islands of southernmost Arizona, the species occupies mesquite thickets near riparian corridors in the north and thorn scrub or arid deciduous woodlands to the south. It typically resides at elevations below 500 m.

Diet

Although its specific diet is not fully documented, it is assumed to consist of arthropods similar to other gnatcatchers. Foraging involves active movement in trees and shrubs, including gleaning foliage and sallying to catch insects.

Did you know?

The bird constructs its small cup nest by cementing twigs with spider silk. Brown-headed cowbird parasitism of its nests has been observed in Jalisco.