BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER

This mighty southern breeder is easily found at Point Pelee National Park from early May into the summer months.  The Tip transit stop is a frequent breeding location. Look for this bird in scrubby edge habitat in birding areas in Essex County.

A tiny, long-tailed bird of deciduous forests and scrublands, the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher makes itself known by its soft but emphatic “spee” calls and its constant motion. By flicking its white-edged tail from side to side, the gnatcatcher may scare up hiding insects.

Adult Description
Tiny bird.
Long tail.
Bluish gray back.
White underside.
White eye ring.
White outer tail feathers.
Small, thin bill.
No wing bars.

Male Description
Breeding (Alternate) Plumage: Black line meeting over the bill and extending around head above the eyes to just behind the eyes. Crown and nape washed with bluish.
Nonbreeding (Basic) Plumage: Crown and nape medium gray. Face all medium gray.

Female Description
Face all gray, with white eyering. Overall paler gray than male.

Immature Description
Similar to adult female, but wings slightly browner.

*Image and description were sourced from allaboutbirds.org