ExploreBirds

Phainopepla

Phainopepla nitens

The Phainopepla is a shiny black bird with a cool crest on its head. It loves to eat berries and can often be seen perched on trees in the desert, singing its sweet song.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Phainopepla has glossy, iridescent black plumage and a prominent crest for males, while females are sleek gray. Both sexes possess striking ruby-red eyes and a white wing patch visible during flight, making them distinctive.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPtilogonatidaeGenusPhainopepla
Phainopepla
feathered trait badgecrested trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badge
Phainopepla

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Phainopeplas are born completely naked and helpless in the nest!

Males perform a dazzling "butterfly flight" dance to attract their mates.

Phainopeplas have bright, fiery red eyes that almost seem to glow.

Their name means "shining cloak" in ancient Greek!

Special abilities

Ability

Mistletoe Master

Phainopepla can efficiently digest mistletoe berries because of their specialized digestive system that helps them get nutrients.

Ability

Desert Navigator

Phainopepla has special adaptations that help them find water and food in very hot, dry desert environments.

Ability

Aerial Hunter

Phainopepla can catch flying insects mid-air with incredible agility because of their swift flight and sharp eyesight.

Measurements & details

Length
16-20 cm
Wingspan
28-30 cm
Weight
0.016-0.032 kg
Lifespan
4-7 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2-3
Incubation
14-16 days
Migration Distance
1000 km

Diet & Feeding

A berry and insect eater, these birds especially love mistletoe berries!

Age differences: Young birds mainly eat protein-rich insects, while adults consume more berries.

Primary Foods

  • Mistletoe berries
  • Flies
  • Beetles
  • Elderberries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

American Mistletoe

Phoradendron serotinum

Key food source and seed disperser.

eaten by

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

A common avian predator of Phainopeplas.

shelters

Honey Mesquite

Prosopis glandulosa

Often nests and roosts within mesquite trees.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Phainopepla?

16-20 cm

What is Phainopepla's wingspan?

28-30 cm

How much does Phainopepla weigh?

0.016-0.032 kg

How long does Phainopepla live?

4-7 years

How fast can Phainopepla move?

35 km/h

What does Phainopepla eat?

A berry and insect eater, these birds especially love mistletoe berries!

Where is Phainopepla usually found?

Desert

How does Phainopepla hunt?

Foraging

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