Definition:

(noun) The scientific bird family classification that includes all gnatcatchers and gnatwrens in the New World, including throughout the Caribbean. There are roughly 15-20 birds included in this family depending on how different species are split or lumped, and while they are geographically spread from Canada to Argentina, these small birds share a variety of characteristics that identify them as gnatcatchers, including…

• Insectivorous diets and both gleaning and hawking foraging techniques
• Preference for wooded habitats, from scrub areas to tropical rainforests
• Predominantly gray or blue-gray dimorphic plumage with white and black accents
• Long, slender tails that are often flicked, fanned or otherwise mobile
• Slender, straight, dark bills that may show a slight curve at the tip for catching insects

While most gnatcatchers are relatively common and have large ranges so they are not explicitly characterized as threatened or endangered, tropical species are poorly studied and it can be difficult to make strong generalizations about their population numbers. Because of that, habitat preservation and additional study is essential to protect these birds with appropriate conservation measures.

Typical species included in the Polioptilidae family include the blue-gray gnatcatcher, collared gnatwren, Cuban gnatcatcher, slate-throated gnatcatcher and long-billed gnatwren.

Pronunciation:

POH-lee-ahp-TIHL-ih-dye or POL-lee-ahp-TIHL-ih-dee or POH-lee-ahp-TIHL-eye-day

Also Known As:

Gnatcatchers

Photo – Masked Gnatcatcher © Wagner Machado Carlos Lemes