The white-lored gnatcatcher is a species of bird in the family Polioptilidae. It is found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
Region
Mesoamerica (Pacific slope of Mexico to northwestern Costa Rica)
Typical Environment
Occurs from western Mexico south through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua to northwestern Costa Rica, primarily on the Pacific side. Favors tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, second growth, and woodland edges. Often found in arid and semi-arid lowlands with scattered trees and dense understory. Common in hedgerows and riparian thickets within otherwise dry landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-lored gnatcatcher is a small, active songbird of dry forests along the Pacific slope of Mexico and Central America. Its conspicuous white lores (between the eye and bill) help distinguish it from other gnatcatchers. It often fans and flicks its long tail to flush hidden insects. Pairs frequently join mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Builds a small cup nest in low to mid-story branches; both sexes participate in nest building and care. Territorial during breeding yet tolerant of nearby species in feeding flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a thin, high-pitched series of twitters and squeaky phrases. Calls include sharp tsit notes and soft scolding chatters, often given while actively foraging.
Plumage
Clean gray upperparts with whitish underparts, long blackish tail with prominent white outer tail feathers; fine, sleek feathers giving a smooth appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves and twigs. Will hover-glean and make short sallies to snatch prey from foliage or the air. Tail-flicking and wing-flicking are used to startle hidden arthropods. Occasionally takes tiny caterpillars and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the lower to mid-canopy of dry forest, thorn scrub, and woodland edges. Frequently works along hedgerows, second-growth thickets, and riparian strips within otherwise arid zones.
