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Bird Identification

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Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea Length: 4.5"

Look For

This species is well named for both its color and its behavior. Its long tail and white eye-ring on a plain face stand out visually. Its active, treetop foraging for gnats and other small insects and its almost constant calling make it easier to spot than many of our small songbirds.

Listen for

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher's most common vocalization is its call: a mewing chee-chee-chee. Its song is a lively and messy jumble of high, nasal notes and short warbles and whistles. Song may occasionally incorporate phrases from other birds.

Remember

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is our only gnatcatcher that is common outside of the Southwest.

Find it

Common in spring and summer in open mixed woodlands and along woodland edges, the Bluegray Gnatcatcher announces its presence almost constantly with calls, short fly-catching flights, and active movements.

Wow!

Many consider the arrival of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher a better sign of spring than the first American Robin. Gnatcatchers appear in many areas as soon as small insects become active.

This profile is an excerpt from The Young Birder's Guide by Bill Thompson, III. Purchase an autographed copy from our nature store, and check out other BWD titles designed to help you identify backyard birds.