This gnatcatcher occurs in a wide variety of habitats but is most common in tall forest and riparian areas at mid elevations. It hunts actively and conspicuously for insects on the leaves and vegetation of trees and tall bushes with its tail constantly moving up and down and to the side. During the winter it descends to lower elevations and frequently forages in mixed species flocks that include other species of gnatcatchers in the west. Its small cup nest is balanced on top of a large branch and consists of lichens, plant down and spider webbing.
The four-digit banding code is BGGN.
