Black-capped Gnatcatcher
Polioptila nigriceps
| Length: 4.5 inches | Wingspan: 6 inches | Seasonality: Non-resident in South Dakota |
| ID Keys: Gray upperparts, lighter underparts, relatively long black bill, black cap (males) | ||
The
Black-capped Gnatcatcher is a species with a relatively small range in
western Mexico. In the United States, it is a rare, but increasingly
seen vagrant, primarily in southeastern Arizona but also in northwestern New
Mexico. It has now been documented as occasionally breeding in both
states, with the first documentation of nesting occurring near Patagonia in
Arizona in 1971. There are now a few select locations in southeastern
Arizona where breeding pairs have become established and are relatively
reliable in lcoating.
Habitat: Found mostly in riparian woodlands in its native Mexico.
Diet: Feeds heavily on insects and spiders. They will also occasionally feed on seeds.
Behavior: Foraging is often done by gleaning insects from foliage, often while hovering. They will also observe from a perch and fly out and capture insects in mid-air.
Nesting: The nest of a Black-capped Gnatcatcher is a cup built in a small tree or shrub. The female usually lays 3 or 4 eggs (between 2 and 6 reported), and both parents help to incubate them. Once the eggs hatch, both parents help to raise the young.
Song: The call is a rising then descending, very weak mee-ur. The song is a quiet series of tinkly warbles.
Migration: Considered a permanent resident throughout its normal range.
Interactive eBird map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Black-capped Gnatcatcher sightings
Similar Species: California Gnatcatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
Conservation Status: Populations are in a noted decline. However, they are still relatively common in many areas and are found over a large geographic area. The IUCN lists the Black-capped Gnatcatcher as a species of "Least Concern".
Further Information: 1) Birdlife International - Black-capped Gnatcatcher
2) WhatBird - Black-capped Gnatcatcher
3) Audubon Guide - Black-capped Gnatcatcher
Photo Information: Photo taken by Tom Benson - Pima County, Arizona - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivs 2.0 Generic License
| Click below for a higher-resolution map |
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| South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota |
Additional Black-capped Gnatcatcher Photos (coming soon!!)
