Phainopepla
Image: socalviolinguy (cc-by-nc)
NamePhainopepla
Common NamePhainopepla
Scientific NamePhainopepla nitens
FamilyPtilogonatidae
Wingspan (cm)29
Length (cm)18
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely glossy black with a prominent crest and a large white patch on the inner primaries, visible only in flight. Adult females are duller gray overall, with a smaller crest and paler, less distinct wing patches. Both sexes have striking red eyes.
Vocalization / CallTheir song is a short, warbling series of notes, often described as a soft, rising 'whee-whee-whee'. They also have a distinctive, sharp 'wurp' or 'whirp' call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert washes, mesquite bosques, riparian woodlands, juniper woodlands, oak woodlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeResident in the southwestern United States (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Texas) and Baja California, Mexico. Northern populations migrate south to central and southern Mexico for winter.
Identifying Featuresglossy black plumage (male), dull gray plumage (female), prominent crest, red eyes, white wing patches (visible in flight), upright posture
Description
The Phainopepla is a sleek, crested bird of the desert southwest, known for its glossy black plumage in males and duller gray in females. They are highly dependent on mistletoe berries for food, especially in winter, and also catch insects in acrobatic flight. These birds exhibit an upright posture and have striking red eyes.
