Perching

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher thumbnail
Length: 4 in. (11 cm )
This gnatcatcher occurs in a wide variety of habitats but is most common in tall forest and riparian areas at mid elevations. It hunts actively and conspicuously for insects on the leaves and vegetation of trees and tall bushes with its tail constantly moving up and down and to the side. During the winter it descends to lower elevations and frequently forages in mixed species flocks that include other species of gnatcatchers in the west. Its small cup nest is balanced on top of a large branch and consists of lichens, plant down and spider webbing.

The four-digit banding code is BGGN.

Male | Herbert Clarke

Female | Robert Shantz


Chaparral

Fir forest

Mesquite bosque

Oak-pine woodland

Riparian / River forest

Savanna

Shrubs
Bird Sound Type: Grating
Sex of Bird: Male
Sonogram Large:
Sonogram Zoom:
Bird Sound Type: Grating
Sex of Bird: Male
Sonogram Large:
Sonogram Zoom:

View Citation

You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 7, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/blue-gray-gnatcatcher

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 7, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/blue-gray-gnatcatcher

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Blue-gray Gnatcatcher". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/blue-gray-gnatcatcher

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Blue-gray Gnatcatcher". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 7 Mar 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/blue-gray-gnatcatcher

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
Illustration of a human heart
What Happens During a Heart Attack?

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

 

Share to Google Classroom