Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher
NameCreamy-bellied Gnatcatcher
Common NameCreamy-bellied Gnatcatcher
Scientific NamePolioptila lactea
FamilyPolioptilidae
Wingspan (cm)12.5
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)6
Plumage DetailsMales have a prominent black cap extending to the nape, contrasting with a white supercilium and creamy-white underparts. Females have a duller, grayish cap. Both sexes display grayish upperparts and a relatively long, dark tail with white outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include thin, high-pitched, often buzzy or squeaky 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'swee-swee-swee' calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to a restricted region of southeastern Brazil and eastern Paraguay.
Identifying Featuressmall size, creamy-white underparts, dark cap (males), grayish upperparts, long tail with white outer feathers, active foraging
Description
This small, active songbird is characterized by its creamy-white belly and a distinctive dark cap in males. It forages primarily for insects and spiders in the canopy and mid-story of humid forests, often flicking its long tail.
