Cuban Gnatcatcher

Polioptila lembeyei

A small, energetic, gray-and-white bird that tends to waggle its long tail. Typically feeds low in dense scrub. Endemic to Cuba and offshore islands. Calls include a repeated “da-JIP,” a rapid squeaky “ji-ji-ji-ji-ji,” and a more classic gnatcatcher “zheee.” Note white face outlined with a thin black line, which readily distinguishes Cuban from Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

Identification

The Cuban gnatcatcher is 10 to 11 cm (3.9 to 4.3 in) long and weighs 4.5 to 5 g (0.16 to 0.18 oz) and is among the smallest members of genus Polioptila. Like most members of the genus, the male is blue-gray above and white below. It has a unique black crescent behind the eye and ear coverts and a long black tail with white outer feathers. The female is similar but paler, and its facial crescent is thinner. The juvenile is olive-gray above and has buffy flanks, a creamy belly, and only a faint facial crescent.

Taxonomy

"The Cuban gnatcatcher was described by the most famous of this island’s ornithologists, the naturalised Juan (Johannes) Gundlach". It was named in honor of Juan Lembeye.<p>The Cuban gnatcatcher is monotypic.

Scientific name
Polioptila lembeyei
Authority
(Gundlach, 1858)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Polioptilidae
Genus
Polioptila

Range and habitat

The Cuban gnatcatcher is found along much of the north and southeast coasts of Cuba and also in disjunct areas along the south coast. It inhabits xeric scrubland, mostly below 100 m (330 ft) of elevation.

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: declining.

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

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