Black-Tailed Gnatcatcher
Polioptila melanura
DescriptionThe Black-tailed Gnatcatcher is a nonmigratory bird that lives in pairs throughout the entire year. They forage amoung low shrubs and trees for small insects and spiders. Black-tailed Gnatcatchers are true desert birds, thriving where other bird life is sparse.
Bluish-gray upperparts. Whitish underparts. White eye ring. Thin, dark bill. Brownish wash on wings. Long black tail with whitish outer feathers; appears mostly black from underneath. The male has a black cap. 4.5 to 5 inches in length.
Desert
Nesting3-4 pale blue eggs with spots. The eggs have a 14? day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 9-15 days. The nest is a small, open cup of weeds, grass, bark strips, spider webs, and plant fiber, and lined with softer material. The nest is built in mesquite or a low desert bush or tree (less than 5 feet above the ground). The nest is built by both sexes.
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