The Black-tailed Gnatcatcher is a very small but tough bird, eeking out a living in the arid habitats of the American Southwest. They are very active as the flit through the foliage of their shrubby habitats, searching for the insects and spiders that comprise their diet. Paired males and females stay together at all times during the year, and even typically forage close to each other outside of the breeding season.
Habitat:
Found in arid, brushy habitats of the southwestern U.S., such as Sonoran desert habitats, as well as other dry shrubby habitats.
Diet:
Feeds on insects and spiders. They may feed on berries at times.
Behavior:
Very active when foraging, moving quickly through shrubs and low in trees, looking for insects. They will sometimes hover-glean, capturing insects from the surface of vegetation while hovering.
Nesting:
The nest of a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher is a small cup built of grasses, weeds, strips of bark, and spider webs, often lined with softer material such as feathers or hair. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs, and both parents help to incubate them. Upon hatching, both parents help to feed the young, who leave the nest after about 2 weeks.
Interactive eBird Map:
Click to access an interactive eBird map of Black-tailed Gnatcatcher sightings
Song:
Has a large variety of calls, most a series of harsh notes.
Migration:
Considered a permanent resident throughout their range.
Similar Species:
California Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher , Black-capped Gnatcatcher. To differentiate these four gnatcatchers, first look at the undertail: the Blue-gray and Black-capped have mostly white outer feathers, while the Black-tailed and California have mostly black undersides. During the breeding season, the Blue-gray is the only one that lacks a full black cap, showing only a small dark line over the eye. Finally, let your location guide you, as the California Gnatcatcher is found only in coastal sage scrub, the Black-tailed is a desert specialist, and the rare Black-capped is restricted to specific canyons in the Southwest.
Conservation Status:
Populations may be in decline, but they are still found over a wide geographic range and are common in some areas. The IUCN lists the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information:
Photo taken on May 4th, 2008 on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona - By Terry Sohl
