Watercolor portrait of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea
Migratory in northern parts of range Found in a variety of wooded habitats in… Common Migrant Song

Learn to identify the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher by ear. Master the "high nasal mews" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“spee-spee-spee”

What the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher sounds like

A diminutive, slender songbird with a long tail that it frequently flicks from side to side. Blue-gray above and grayish-white below with a distinctive white eyering. Males have a black forehead and eyebrow during breeding season. Constantly active, moving through foliage with quick, nervous movements while searching for tiny insects.

“high nasal mews”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A thin, wheezy, rambling series of notes that rises and falls in pitch. Not particularly musical and easily overlooked. Males sing most frequently during territory establishment and early breeding season. Often written as “spee-spee-spee”.
Don't confuse with:The Black-tailed Gnatcatcher — found only in southwestern united states and mexico.

Lessons featuring the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Kinglet Codes lesson habitat
Kinglet Codes
Tier 12 · By Pitch and Pace
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Where you'll hear it

Found in a variety of wooded habitats including open deciduous woodlands, mixed forests, pine-oak woodlands, riparian corridors, and scrubby areas. In the eastern United States, often associated with oak forests. In the West, found in pinyon-juniper woodlands, mesquite, and desert riparian areas.

Breeds from March to August depending on latitude. Northern populations arrive on breeding grounds in April and depart by September. Year-round residents in southern range may begin nesting as early as February.

Similar species

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

Found only in southwestern United States and Mexico.

California Gnatcatcher

Limited to coastal southern California and Baja California.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Olive-green rather than blue-gray.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher song FAQ

What does a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher sound like?
A thin, wheezy, rambling series of notes that rises and falls in pitch. Not particularly musical and easily overlooked. Males sing most frequently during territory establishment and early breeding season. Listen for the "high nasal mews" phrase.
How do I tell a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher from a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher by sound?
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher: Found only in southwestern United States and Mexico.; Males have black cap rather than just black forehead and eyebrow.; Lacks white in outer tail feathers..
When is the best time to hear a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher?
Breeds from March to August depending on latitude. Northern populations arrive on breeding grounds in April and depart by September. Year-round residents in southern range may begin nesting as early as February.