Some folks have given the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher a nickname – “Little Mockingbird.”
While smaller, this gnatcatcher has a similar gray color with white along the outside edges of the tail. The males have a more blue-gray coloration and breeding individuals sport a dramatic black V on the forehead and over the eyes. Both sexes have an obvious white eye-ring.
The songs of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher are high pitched, nasal and squeaky with a rambling quality. Also, just like the mockingbird, our gnatcatcher will borrow song phrases from other species and work them into their repertoire.
It is the only gnatcatcher in the east and only present during breeding season (April to September). Males arrive first; scope out the territory; then, females join in nest site selection. After sharing building tasks, incubation and feeding of offspring, all eventually return to points south for the winter.
Fun Facts
During breeding season, this species may build up to seven nests, held to the branch with spiderwebs and camouflaged with lichen and bark. They repurpose materials from old nests to make new ones.
How to Identify a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
One other way to identify the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is to watch their behavior – specifically, the strategies they use to catch meals. They flick their tail from side-to-side (to startle insects). These birds hover and dart out and back from tree limbs catching bugs in midair. Then, they eat when perched.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Habitat
Broadleaf and mixed forests, along the edges of habitats.
Conservation Note
Widespread but not abundant, numbers appear to be stable.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
“Birds of the Blue Ridge” showcases frequently seen and rare birds across the southern Appalachian region. For over four decades, Angela Minor has traveled with binoculars and field guides across the continental U.S., Alaska, the Caribbean and seven European countries. She is a contributing editor with BRC magazine and a freelance writer, penning travel and nature feature articles for several regional and national print publications. Angela created and authored the state park birding series for Bird Watcher’s Digest.
Read More by Angela Minor: BlueRidgeCountry.com/AngelaMinor
