Silky-flycatchers (Ptiliogonatidae)
Phainopepla
Phainopepla nitens. Desert mistletoe berries, plus insects caught on the wing.
Silky-flycatchers (Ptiliogonatidae)PhainopeplaPhainopepla nitens
- Scientific name
- Phainopepla nitens
- Length
- 6.3–7.9 in
- Weight
- 0.6–1 oz
- Nest
- Small cup in a desert tree, often near mistletoe clumps
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–4 eggs
- Incubation
- 14 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Male glossy black with a crest and white wing patches
- Female grey with a crest
- Red eyes in both
Voice
Soft, questioning 'wurp' calls.
Diet and feeding
Desert mistletoe berries, plus insects caught on the wing.
Phainopeplas by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | January–April |
| California | Year-round resident | January–April |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | February–April |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | February–April |
| Texas | Year-round resident | January–April |
| Utah | Year-round resident | February–April |
Frequently asked
What do phainopeplas eat?
Desert mistletoe berries, plus insects caught on the wing. At feeders: none — plant desert mistletoe habitat.
How big is a Phainopepla?
6.3–7.9 in long and 0.6–1 oz.
Do phainopeplas use birdhouses?
No. Small cup in a desert tree, often near mistletoe clumps.
Sources
- Phainopepla — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Phainopepla life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Phainopepla — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.