Polioptila californica
The California Gnatcatcher is a small, long-tailed songbird with grey plumage that varies in shade across its range. Males display a distinctive black cap during the breeding season, while their body features grey plumage with a brownish tinge.
Females are similar but lack the black cap and show more brown coloring, particularly on their backs and underparts. Both sexes have a thin bill and a white eye-ring, though this is less distinct in breeding males.
Length
9.5cm to 10.6cm
Wingspan
14cm to 16cm
Weight
5g to 7g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
The California Gnatcatcher is endemic to coastal regions of southern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. It inhabits coastal sage scrub communities characterized by low-growing, drought-deciduous shrubs.
This species is non-migratory and maintains year-round territories within its limited range. In the U.S., it is found from Ventura County south to San Diego County, with the highest concentrations in Orange and San Diego Counties.
Sea level to 500 meters
Mediterranean
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Share your thoughtsOur bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The California Gnatcatcher displays remarkable agility, constantly flitting through dense vegetation whilst foraging. Their ability to hop between branches and catch insects on the wing demonstrates excellent manoeuvrability, particularly impressive for their tiny size.
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a diminutive songbird weighing only 5-7 grams, the California Gnatcatcher possesses limited physical strength. Their lightweight frame is optimised for agile movement rather than power, suitable for their insectivorous lifestyle.
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Whilst specialised to coastal sage scrub habitats, these birds show decent adaptability within their niche. They can survive without drinking water, obtain moisture from prey, and adjust their diet seasonally to include berries when available. However, their strict habitat requirements limit their overall adaptability.
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Though not particularly aggressive towards other species, California Gnatcatchers maintain year-round territories and will defend their nesting areas. They exhibit moderate territorial behaviour, particularly during breeding season, but aren't notably confrontational.
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
These birds demonstrate moderate endurance through their continuous foraging activities and territory maintenance. Their resident status requires consistent energy expenditure, though they typically operate within a limited range rather than undertaking lengthy flights or migrations.
California Gnatcatchers primarily feed on small arthropods, with a preference for insects and spiders. They glean prey from foliage while moving through shrubs and occasionally catch flying insects. Their diet may include small berries during certain seasons.
California Gnatcatchers are active foragers, constantly moving through vegetation in search of insects. They often flit their long tails while hopping between branches.
These birds are typically seen in pairs, maintaining year-round territories and exhibiting strong pair bonds.
The California Gnatcatcher's most distinctive vocalization is a soft, mewing call often described as a kitten-like "meeew." This call is used for contact between pairs and to signal alarm.
During the breeding season, males produce a thin, rising whistle as part of their courtship display.
California Gnatcatchers form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in late February to early March. Males perform courtship displays, including singing and presenting nesting material to females.
Nests are small, cup-shaped structures made of grasses, plant fibers, and spider webs, typically placed in dense shrubs about 1 meter above the ground. Females lay 3-5 pale blue to white eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 14 days and care for the nestlings. Young fledge after 10-15 days but may remain with parents for several weeks.
years
The California Gnatcatcher typically lives for 3 to 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 8 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
The California Gnatcatcher is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and faces significant threats due to habitat loss from urban development and fragmentation of coastal sage scrub ecosystems.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring their specialized habitat, with several areas designated as critical habitat under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Main predators include Cooper's Hawks, Loggerhead Shrikes, snakes, and domestic cats. Nest predators also include jays, crows, and rodents.
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website: BirdLife International. 2021. Polioptila californica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22711585A139563279.
View sourcereport, 2019: Partners in Flight
website, 2019: Partners in Flight
View source