Gnatcatchers Polioptilidae
There are 3 genera within this family. The 15 species of gnatcatchers are confined to the New World. They are small-bodied, with long graduated tails, and slender bills. Many species are similar looking, so bill size, undertail pattern, and vocalizations are important clues to note when identifying certain species. In 2005, a new species was described from northeast Peru, named the Iquitos Gnatcatcher Polioptila clementsi. With less than fifty known birds, it is already listed as critically endangered. The Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher Polioptila lactea of South America is considered near-threatened.



Ramphocelus

This is the only member of the genus.

The Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus ranges from southern Mexico, south to north-central South America. A disjunt population is also found along coastal Brazil. The northern population may represent a seperate species. This bird was photographed in the grounds of Hotel Gavilan, near La Selva, Heredia, Costa Rica.








Polioptila

There are 12 members in this genus.

The Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea is the only member of the family known to migrate. They summer across the USA, then migrate south to warmer climates for the winter. Populations that breed in Mexico, and northern Central America, typically do not migrate. Their habitat is also the most varied of all gnatcatchers. This adult male was photographed at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, near Superior, Arizona, USA.







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