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A photo of a California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), male
California Gnatcatcher, Male

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

The California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) is a small 10.8 cm long insectivorous bird which frequents dense coastal sage scrub growth. This species was recently split from the similar black-tailed gnatcatcher of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. This bird is often solitary, but joins with other birds in winter flocks. The male California gnatcatcher is dusky gray overall, distinguished only by its black crown and thin black beak. It has a long, thin black tail with narrow white tips and edges on the underside of the tail feathers. However, the male loses its plumage colors by winter and obtains a plumage color similar to the females. The female is similar to the male, but with a blue-gray instead of a black crown. In its range from coastal Southern California south through Baja California and Baja California Sur, this inconspicuous non-migratory resident is most often seen flitting hastily into undergrowth, or heard giving its call, which sounds like a kitten's meow, a rising and falling zeeeeer, zeeeeer.
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California Gnatcatchers on Birda

Sightings

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Profile picture for Jake E.
Jake E.
Monday 06 Feb 2023 - 4:50am
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🦉
Juan Pablo Girault
Saturday 07 Jan 2023 - 7:38pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
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Clifford VanNostrand
Saturday 31 Dec 2022 - 1:25pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🦢
Briana Tarmas
Tuesday 27 Dec 2022 - 11:40am
United States
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