The blue-gray gnatcatcher's breeding habitat includes open deciduous woods and shrublands in southern Ontario, the eastern and southwestern United States, and Mexico.

Though gnatcatcher species are common and increasing in number while expanding to the northeast,[5][full citation needed] it is the only one to breed in Eastern North America.

The males often work to build nests, help incubate and raise the young, as well as feed the children, often thought to be a mother's role.

Their nests are often built far out on a tree's branch with spider silks and lichen plants holding them together.

[6] They may hover over foliage while snatching prey (gleaning), or fly to catch insects in flight (hawking).