The Cuban gnatcatcher is a species of bird in the family Polioptilidae, the gnatcatchers. It is endemic to Cuba.
Region
Caribbean (Cuba)
Typical Environment
Found in dry coastal and sub-coastal habitats across parts of Cuba, especially thorny scrub, cactus thickets, and open dry forest edges. It also uses low, scrubby vegetation along rocky shores and in degraded dry woodland. The species forages from near ground level up to the mid-canopy, weaving through dense shrubs. It may occur locally near mangrove edges but generally avoids tall, closed-canopy forests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Cuban gnatcatcher is a tiny, lively insect-hunter that constantly flicks its long tail while foraging through scrub. Endemic to Cuba, it favors dry coastal thickets and cactus scrub where it gleans spiders and small insects from twigs and leaves. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with thin, sibilant calls. Its subtle gray-and-white plumage is offset by a distinctive white eye ring and contrasting tail pattern.
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent brief hops between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups maintaining well-defined territories. Pairs build small cup nests low in shrubs using plant fibers and spider silk. Outside the breeding season, it may loosely associate with mixed-species foraging parties in scrubby habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, buzzy warble with rapid, high-pitched notes. Calls are sharp, sibilant tsit or tsee sounds, often given while actively foraging and tail-flicking.
