The black-capped gnatcatcher is a small songbird in the family Polioptilidae. It is found in Mexico and the United States.
Region
Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits thornscrub, mesquite, and acacia woodlands from coastal lowlands into foothills of northwestern Mexico, especially Sonora and Sinaloa. In the United States, it occurs locally in southern Arizona, mainly in canyon riparian zones and adjacent scrub. It favors semi-open habitats with scattered shrubs and small trees, often near seasonal watercourses. Second-growth scrub and edges of dry tropical forest are also used. It generally avoids dense, closed-canopy forests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-capped gnatcatcher is a tiny, hyperactive songbird of arid and thorny woodlands, where it gleans insects from foliage. Males show a distinctive black cap in breeding plumage, a key field mark separating it from similar gnatcatchers. It occurs mainly in northwestern Mexico, with a small, localized presence in southern Arizona. Nests are delicate cups bound with spider silk and camouflaged with lichens.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, actively foraging through shrubs while maintaining contact calls. During the breeding season, pairs defend small territories and build camouflaged cup nests of plant fibers and spider silk. Outside breeding, they may join mixed-species flocks in suitable scrub and riparian habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin, buzzy warble interspersed with sharp chips and twitters. Calls are sibilant and scolding, often given continuously as the bird moves through foliage.
Plumage
Slender, gray upperparts with whitish underparts and a long tail showing strong black-and-white patterning. Breeding males have a crisp black crown; females and nonbreeding birds show a dusky or absent cap. Fine, smooth plumage without heavy streaking.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and spiders, including aphids, leafhoppers, small beetles, and caterpillars. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies to catch tiny flying insects. Uses its slender bill to probe into clusters of leaves and flower heads.
Preferred Environment
Forages in low to mid-level shrubs and small trees such as mesquite, acacia, and riparian willows. Often works along edges, washes, and canyons where foliage is patchy and sunlit.
