Polioptila melanura
male
Plumage details, habitat preferences, and distribution help separate this species from the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The sexes are dissimilar. Adult males have a blue-gray back and, in the breeding season, a black cap; at other times of the year the cap is blue-gray. The white eyering is striking and the blackish wings have pale feather margins. From above and below, the tail is mainly black but with white tips to the outer feathers. Adult females are similar to a non-breeding male, and juveniles are similar to an adult female.
The Black-tailed Gnatcatcher is present year-round in its favored southwestern desert habitats. Look for it in areas of thorn scrub, where typically it is rather bold and easy to observe.
male
FACT FILE
LENGTH 4.3 in (11 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates
HABITAT Desert habitats
STATUS Locally common resident
VOICE Song comprises a series of phrases that are similar to the calls; these include rasping tch-tch and harsh tchee-tchee notes
