Phainopepla
NamePhainopepla
Common NamePhainopepla
Scientific NamePhainopepla nitens
FamilyPtilogonatidae
Wingspan (cm)29
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely glossy black with a prominent crest and bright red eyes. They have conspicuous white patches on the inner primaries, visible in flight. Females are dull gray with a crest, red eyes, and paler white wing patches.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, rising 'wurp' or 'whirp' call, and a short, whistled 'hoo-weet'. Males also sing a short, jumbled, warbling song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert scrub, riparian woodlands, oak woodlands, chaparral
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southwestern United States, primarily in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas, extending south into central Mexico.
Identifying Featuresprominent crest, bright red eyes, glossy black plumage (male), dull gray plumage (female), white wing patches (visible in flight), sleek body shape
Description
The Phainopepla is a sleek, crested bird with striking red eyes. Males are glossy black, while females are dull gray. They are known for their acrobatic flight as they forage for berries and insects.
