iBird Plus describes the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher’s vocalization as “a distinctive, whining ‘pzzzz’ with a nasal quality”, and that’s exactly how I knew this little fellow was nearby.
I was looking the other way when I heard that unmistakable squeaky call. I turned around was treated to the sight of this diminutive Gnatcatcher hopping about in full view!
Gnatcatchers are non-stop foragers, and they are known for their “feisty, active mannerisms” (iBird Plus), so they can be quite challenging to photograph. 
“Flashing the white edges of their long tail may help them flush prey, which they then snap up while the gnatcatcher is perched, hovering, or sallying into the air after them.” (All About Birds – Blue-gray Gnatcatcher). Their diet consists of small insects of all kinds and spiders (Audubon.org – Blue-gray Gnatcatcher).
The petite Gnatcatcher is so lightweight he can perch on the edge of a curled leaf. A mere 3-5″ in size, he weighs only about a quarter of an ounce (6 grams)!
Nice, one of the most frustrating to photograph.
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That is so true, Ted. This gnatcatcher did me a real favor by staying right out in the open on the outer branches for quite a while.
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With their small size and up-twitched tail, this gnatcatcher looks like a wren. Do you know if they are related?
By the way, I tried to “Like” this, but WordPress won’t accept it. 😦
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Good point! Although I found one source that said their “closely related“, the gnatcatchers are more closely connected to old world warblers and kinglets. They are all in the family MUSCICAPIDAE
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Oops, my reply flitted away as quickly as an gnatcatcher! The wrens are in the family TROGLODYTIDAE. But their pages are nearly next to each other in the Audubon field guide!
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What a charismatic little bird – and great photos of such a busy little bird too.
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I appreciate your kind comment and I agree with you – what a great description. They really do have charisma ☺️
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Now that is one tough bird to capture. Great job! What a cutie pie.
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He usually is a very difficult bird to capture, Berny. Lucky for me he just kept out in the open like that for long enough to take many shots from close up!
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Really enjoyed this celebration of the blue-gray gnatcatcher, BJ. I know their distinctive call well, and it fills me with joy when they arrive in spring. It is so very difficult to catch them perched for even a second, making these photos extremely impressive.
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I always enjoy your thoughtful comments, Jet! I have the same feeling when hearing their sound – if I just look hard enough I’ll usually at least catch a glimpse.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you, Cindy. This delicate little bird certainly is a beauty.
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A cutie! Love the pic perched on the leaf.
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Glad you enjoyed it! I thought that shot was a charming little pose.
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Birds whine? Who knew?
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It’s a very cool sound, Cyndi. I’ll have to introduce you to it sometime when you’re here. Once you recognize it, it’s quite unforgettable 😊
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A lot of beauty in a little package 😊. Wonderful photos!
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So you enjoyed this little gnatcatcher, Belinda. It certainly is a mini package☺️
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Excellent images of this little winged jewel!
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What a nice description of this sweet little bird – thank you!
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Pretty little bird! Excellent shots, Carol. 🙂
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Thanks very much HJ! I’m checking to see how their size compares to whatever the smallest birds are – do you know? Are Hummingbirds the smallest? I haven’t looked it up yet, but you always are a wealth of bird knowledge ☺️
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The bee hummingbird, zunzuncito or Helena hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is a species of hummingbird which is the world’s smallest bird. It is endemic to Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud.
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Wow- thanks H.J.! I knew you’d have the answer!
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How awesome to capture a series of such adorable bird. This one enjoyed modeling for you!
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Yes, Donna, it seems that he did enjoy modeling! What a treat that he stayed out in view for so many minutes.
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Very nice captures of this zippy fellow!
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Thanks Ellen! By the way, we had perfect weather and good birding for our trip to Corkscrew and Ding Darling last weekend. Haven’t gotten to post any yet, but I’ve been enjoying yours!
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What a cutie!
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Yes, isn’t he though?!
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Such a cutie! I have never seen one, I think.
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They can be hard to see even if you know they are right there! ☺️
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Wonderfully clear photos! I especially love the third one. And neat to see it perched on a leaf. So small and lightweight! 😊
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They are so tiny – and (usually) very fast ☺️. I really appreciate your visit and comments, Myriam!
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Sooo cute!!
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Cute and fast!
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