Phainopepla
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.inaturalist.org/users/444470">Andy Kleinhesselink</a> (CC BY 4.0)
NamePhainopepla
Common NamePhainopepla
Scientific NamePhainopepla nitens
FamilyPtilogonatidae
Wingspan (cm)29
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsMales are entirely glossy black with a distinct crest and bright red eyes. They possess a large white patch on the inner primaries, prominently visible only in flight. Females are duller gray overall, also with a crest and red eyes, and a smaller, less conspicuous white wing patch.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, rising 'wheep' or 'wurp' note, and a series of short, whistled, often slurred notes that can sound like 'wit-wit-wurr'. They also produce a harsh, scolding call.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsarid regions, semi-arid regions, desert washes, open woodlands, riparian areas, chaparral
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the southwestern United States (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, western Texas) and Baja California, Mexico. Winters in southern parts of its breeding range and further south into central Mexico.
Identifying Featuresglossy black plumage (males), prominent crest, bright red eyes, white wing patches (visible in flight), upright posture when perched, long tail
Description
This sleek, medium-sized songbird is characterized by its prominent crest and striking red eyes. Males are glossy black, while females are duller gray. They are known for their acrobatic flight and their diet heavily reliant on mistletoe berries.
