california gnatcatcher

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photo by Anthony Mercieca©

(Polioptila californica californica)

The California gnatcatcher is a year-round resident (non-migratory). It primarily inhabits coastal sage scrub.

Population declines were due to urban and agricultural development. It was listed as Federally Threatened in 1993 and is a State Species of Special Concern. The species was driving force for the development of the Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP) in southern California.

There is a dense population known in scrub surrounding Sweetwater Reservoir and limited occurrence around Loveland Reservoir due to elevation and climatic gradient from the coast.

Recently, US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed "critical habitat" for the species, including lands surrounding Sweetwater Reservoir. "Critical habitat" is defined as the specific area occupied by a species that contain physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the species and that may require special management considerations or protection.