Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

The Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, scientifically known as Polioptila melanura, is a diminutive and agile bird, stretching a mere 4.5 to 5 inches from beak to the tip of its distinctive black tail. The tail, edged with white feathers, is a prominent feature of this species. Its plumage is a sleek blue-grey above with a paler, white underside. During the summer months, the male sports a striking black cap that reaches its eyes, a feature absent in the female and winter male.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher from its close relative, the Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, one must pay close attention to the tail. When viewed from below, the Black-tailed's tail appears predominantly black, whereas the Blue-grey's is mostly white. The male's black cap in summer is another distinguishing characteristic.

Habitat

This bird is a year-round resident of the arid desert landscapes, specifically the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Behaviour

The Black-tailed Gnatcatcher is known for its pair-bonding behavior, with couples staying together throughout the year to defend their territory. They forage in trees and low shrubs, preferring to pick off small insects and spiders rather than catching them in flight, which is a behavior more typical of the Blue-grey Gnatcatcher.

Breeding

The nest of the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher is an open cup structure, collaboratively constructed by both sexes in low shrubs, often less than five feet above ground. Desert mistletoe is a favored nesting material when available. The nest is made from a variety of materials including weeds, grass, bark strips, spider webs, and plant fibers, and is lined with softer substances. The clutch typically consists of three to five bluish-white eggs speckled with red-brown dots. Both parents share incubation duties over a period of 14 days, and the fledglings leave the nest 10 to 15 days post-hatching. Despite being a common host for cowbird parasitism, the species remains resilient.

Conservation status

The Black-tailed Gnatcatcher is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population.