The Guianan gnatcatcher is a species of bird in the family Polioptilidae. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs in northern Amazonia across Brazil (north of the Amazon), Venezuela (Guayana region), Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Prefers lowland humid forest, often near edges, secondary growth, and along rivers and gallery woodlands. It also uses white-sand (campinarana) forest and forest–savanna mosaics. Typically forages from the understory up to the mid-canopy.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny, active insect-hunter is often seen flicking and fanning its long tail to flush prey from foliage. Males show a distinctive black cap that helps separate it from similar gnatcatchers. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks in lowland forests, moving quickly through the midstory. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with thin, whispery calls.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks. Pairs maintain year-round territories and communicate with contact calls while foraging. Nest is a small, neat cup placed on horizontal branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high, slightly buzzy series of notes and trills delivered rapidly. Calls are whispery tsit and seep notes, often repeated as the bird forages. Vocalizations can be easily overlooked in noisy forest environments.
