Black-capped Gnatcatcher (Polioptila nigriceps), California Gulch, Santa Cruz County

This Black-capped Gnatcatcher was found by Dennis Wall, Dick Palmer, Reid Freeman, and Marley Wall on 15 December 2008 in California Gulch and photographed by Dennis Wall the same day. It was found at the base of California Gulch, where you park before walking up the canyon.

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.  A male Black-capped Gnatcatcher was reported in June 2008 at this location.  See here.  This is possibly the same individual, now in winter plumage.  However, it is also possible there are several different birds present. 

Both Black-capped and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher have entirely white outer tail feathers.  In winter plumage, Black-capped Gnatcatcher is distinguished by the long bill and graduated length of tail feathers.  Note that males in winter plumage have a black eyebrow and a pronounced eyering which is lacking in summer. 

15 December 2008, photo by Dennis Wall