Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura) is in the Gnatcatchers and Gnatwrens family (Polioptilidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,466 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Black-tailed Gnatcatcher: observations by month (U.S.)
About Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
The black-tailed gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura) is a small, insectivorous bird which ranges throughout the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is nonmigratory and found in arid desert areas year-round.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 1,809 | April | Nov–Jun |
| California | 1,007 | April | Dec–May |
| Nevada | 330 | March | Sep–Jul |
| Texas | 260 | April | Dec–Jun |
| New Mexico | 46 | March | Feb–Jul |
| Utah | 14 | April | Apr–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Gnatcatchers and Gnatwrens)
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Black-tailed Gnatcatcher?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from November to June.
Where is Black-tailed Gnatcatcher most often seen?
The most observations come from Arizona, California, Nevada.