Phainopepla

20 cm (8") Common. Southwestern United States. Mesquite brushland, oak foothills, desert scrub, mistletoe.

Crested head. Long rounded tail. Red eye.

Male: all glossy black. In flight; white wing patch. Fluttery direct flight.

Female or Immature: all dark gray. In flight; gray wing patch. Fluttery direct flight.

Eats berries and flying insects.

Song: short soft whistle.

Videos

Images

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Larry Bond

Distribution Maps

Phainopepla distribution map

Phainopepla winter distribution map