About Polioptila lembeyei (Gundlach, 1858)
The Cuban gnatcatcher (Polioptila lembeyei) measures 10 to 11 cm (3.9 to 4.3 in) in length and weighs 4.5 to 5 g (0.16 to 0.18 oz), placing it among the smallest species in the genus Polioptila. Like most species in this genus, adult males have blue-gray upperparts and white underparts. A distinguishing feature is a unique black crescent marking behind the eye and across the ear coverts. It also has a long black tail with white outer feathers. Females are similar in appearance to males but have paler overall plumage and a thinner facial crescent. Juveniles have olive-gray upperparts, buffy flanks, a creamy belly, and only a faint facial crescent. This species is distributed across much of the north and southeast coasts of Cuba, with additional isolated populations along Cuba’s south coast. It inhabits xeric scrubland, and occurs mostly at elevations below 100 m (330 ft).
