Small passerine birds in the gnatcatcher family are close relatives of the wrens.
These dainty birds are intermediate between warblers and wrens in their structure and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects.
The gnatcatchers are mainly soft bluish gray in colour, and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. Many species have distinctive black head patterns and long, regularly cocked, black-and-white tails.