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

This Black-capped Gnatcatcher was discovered by Mark Stevenson and Molly Pollock on 26 September 2012 and photographed by Andrew Core on 03 October 2012.  This is a traditional location for this species, but there have only been a few scattered reports here in the last two years.

Black-capped Gnatcatcher is an extremely rare resident in SE Arizona. Historically, influxes of this species from Mexico have occurred sporadically and persisted for a few years afterwards, followed by several years with no records. They have been more regular since 2002, but appear to have declined recently.

Long bill, with graduated white tail feathers. This bird was also giving the diagnostic call.

03 October 2012, photo by Andrew Core

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