Black-capped Gnatcatcher (Polioptila nigriceps), Florida Canyon, Pima County

Black-capped Gnatcatchers in Florida Canyon were first reported by Philip Kline on 22 October 2008 but had been known to be in the canyon for quite a while before that.  This male was photographed by Tom Benson on 30 March 2009. 

Black-capped Gnatcatcher is a casual to rare species in Arizona that has become resident and breeds in limited areas in southeast Arizona. Since October 2002, when a pair was found at Patagonia Lake State Park, there has been a substantial increase in their numbers in the state and they are now found at several locations in SE Arizona.  AZFO currently has documentation for them at Patagonia Lake, Montosa Canyon, Proctor Road and California Gulch. 

In the first photo, note the long bill, black cap extending below the eye and lack of a prominent eyering that help to distinguish this species from Black-tailed Gnatcatcher.  In the second photo note the white outer tail feathers that are strongly graduated.  The short outer tail feathers are diagnostic for Black-capped Gnatcatcher in all plumages.  The black cap on this bird appears to be somewhat incomplete perhaps suggesting that it is a first-year male?

30 March 2009, photo by Tom Benson

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer

 

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