Black-capped Gnatcatcher (Polioptila nigriceps), Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, Santa Cruz County

This Black-capped Gnatcatcher was photographed by Alan Schmierer on 28 March 2011.  Black-capped Gnatcatchers have been present at this location off and on for a few years but went unreported here for several months.  This most recent bird was apparently discovered by Mark Stevenson and Molly Pollock on 30 January 2011. 

Black-capped Gnatcatcher has been an extremely rare resident in SE Arizona.   Historically, influxes of this species from Mexico have occurred sporadically and have persisted for a few years afterwards, followed by several years with no records.  However, the incursion that began in 2002 appears to be the most widespread and longest lasting. Black-capped Gnatcatchers increased in numbers and were found in an increasing number of areas.  However, over the last year or so, reports have declined and numbers seem to have decreased. 

This bird is molting into its black cap.  That combined with the white undertail feathers is enough to eliminate the other two North American gnatcatchers.  This bird also shows strongly graduated tail feathers and is just molting into the black cap enough to see that black feathering extends below the eye.  Both these characters separate this species from the other gnatcatchers as well. 

28 March 2011, photos by Alan Schmierer

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