Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

While still an uncommon sight in most of South Dakota, the range of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher has been steadily expanding throughout the 20th century.  Very small birds normally found in woodlands, they can sometimes be difficult to observe as they flit about the tree tops.  

Habitat: Varies by region, preferring deciduous forests in the East, pine forests with a deciduous understory in the South, and shrubby habitat in the West.

Diet: Feeds almost exclusively on insects and spiders.

Behavior: Extremely active, foraging actively among trees and shrubs in search of insects.  Will take prey while perched, hovering, or by flycatching and catching insects in mid-air. 

Nesting: May and June in South Dakota.  The nest consists of a small cup of grassees, weeds, strips of bark, and other material, lined with softer material such as plant down or feathers. The outside of the nest is often camouflaged with mosses and lichen.  The female lays 4 or 5 eggs, and both parents help to incubate them.  Upon hatching, both parents help to feed the young, although the male does most of the feeding early on, while the female tends to the young.

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Song

Migration: Summers throughout much of the United States except for the Pacific Northwest and the northern tier of states.  Winters in the extreme southern United States and southward.

Similar Species: Similar to the other Gnatcatchers, but these other species (Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, California Gnatcatcher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher) all have normal ranges well to the south of South Dakota and have never been seen in this state.

Conservation Status: They have expanded in numbers and in range in the 20th century, an expansion that probably is still continuing.  The IUCN lists the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher as a species of "Least Concern".

South Dakota "Hotspot": Most common in the extreme southeastern part of the state, I've had very good luck finding them at both Newton Hills State Park, and the Big Sioux Recreation Area.:

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Blue-gray Gnatcatcher"

3) eNature.com: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Photo Information: May 16th, 2011 - Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Blue-gray Gnatcatcher photos.