Polioptila caerulea

Description

Blue-gray gnatcatchers look like miniature mockingbirds. They have a body smaller than a chickadee, which is blue-gray above and white below. They have a narrow, white eyering. Blue-gray gnatcatchers also have a long black and white tail.

Voice

Their song is a series of squeaky notes that is easily overlooked; the song sounds like baby birds squeaking. The note is a thin, explosive spit-chee.

Habitat

They are found in the canopy of open woods, oaks, and thickets.

Diet

Blue-gray gnatcatchers eat insects.

Range

The blue-gray gnatcatcher can be found all throughout the United States with the exception of the Northwest.

Other Useful Information

The blue-gray gnatcatcher is the only gnatcatcher that is a true migrant.

Similar Species

California gnatcatcher, black-capped gnatcatcher, kinglets, and the cerulean warbler.