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 a bright red eye. They have a conspicuous white patch on the inner primary feathers, visible in flight. Adult females are duller gray overall, also with a crest and red eye, but lack the glossy black and the prominent white wing patch (though they may have a faint pale patch). Juveniles are duller gray-brown with a less developed crest.
Vocalization / CallTheir song is a short, warbling series of notes, often described as a soft, rising "whee-whee-whee" or "wurp-wurp." They also have a distinctive, sharp "wit" or "whup" call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert scrub, riparian areas, oak woodlands, chaparral
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas, extending south into central Mexico. They are migratory in some parts of their range, moving between desert and riparian habitats.
Identifying Featuresprominent crest, glossy black male plumage, gray female plumage, red eyes (adults), conspicuous white wing patches (male in flight), slender body, flycatching behavior
Description
This sleek, crested bird is known for its glossy black plumage in males and soft gray in females. They are agile fliers, often seen sallying from perches to catch insects or plucking berries from mistletoe, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Their distinctive crest and red eyes are key identifying features.
