California gnatcatcher

noun

: a bluish-gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) native to coastal scrubland from southern California to Baja California that closely resembles the black-tailed gnatcatcher but with less white on the underside of the tail
The California gnatcatcher is a threatened, small bird species with a call that resembles a kitten's mew. It has been the center of multiple habitat-conservation efforts along the Southern California coast.Mark Glover, Sacramento Bee, 26 Sept. 2012

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of California gnatcatcher was in 1919

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Dictionary Entries Near California gnatcatcher

Cite this Entry

“California gnatcatcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/California%20gnatcatcher. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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