BIOLOGY OF THE CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER: FILLING IN THE GAPS

Abstract

Interest in the coastal populations of the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura) first diffused outside of the ornithological community in 1978. Notable for its odd vocalizations, localized distribution, and co-occurrence with a vegetation type then known as "inland sage scrub" (Thorne 1976), the coastal subspecies of the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (P. m. californica) was judged by environmental planners to be sensitive because of its small range and vulnerability to habitat conversion (M. U. Evans, pers. comm.).