Habitat to review
Look at coastal sage scrub and adjacent connected vegetation within the listed subspecies’ range. Habitat boundaries and proposed access routes are useful starting information.
Southern California · Baja California
Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Polioptila californica californica
A year-round resident of coastal sage scrub.
A coastal sage scrub reference for project teams working in Southern California.
Federal ESA · ThreatenedCoastal California subspecies
For project teams
What matters before fieldwork.
Timing to consider
A resident bird with nesting concentrated in spring. USFWS describes a broader breeding season from late February into early August; survey scheduling must follow the applicable protocol.
Details to gather
Bring a location map, vegetation information, work footprint, schedule, and any existing habitat conservation plan coverage. Confirm the qualified surveyor, authorization, and applicable protocol before booking fieldwork.
Habitat and seasonal context: USFWS species account. Seasonal activity is not a survey protocol.
Listing & scope
Threatened
The threatened listing applies to Polioptila californica californica. This page is a planning reference and does not represent an offer of species-specific permitted surveys.
Reviewed September 23, 2026. Current federal wildlife list.
Official references
Use current agency instructions for a specific project. A reference page does not establish presence, clearance, or authorization.
Start with the site
Bring the project into focus.
Share the location, proposed activity, and schedule so we can discuss the appropriate next step.