Phainopepla
Phainopepla nitens
The Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) is a common silky-flycatcher found in 3 countries, weighing about 22 g. The phainopepla or northern phainopepla is the most northerly representative of the mainly tropical Central American family Ptiliogonatidae, the silky flycatchers.
About the Phainopepla
The phainopepla or northern phainopepla is the most northerly representative of the mainly tropical Central American family Ptiliogonatidae, the silky flycatchers. Its name is from the Greek phain pepla meaning "shining robe" in reference to the male's plumage.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The phainopepla is a striking bird, 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 in) long with a noticeable crest and a long tail; it is slender, and has an upright posture when it perches. Its bill is short and slender. The male is glossy black, and has a white wing patch that is visible when it flies; the female is plain gray and has a lighter gray wing patch. Both sexes have red eyes, but these are more noticeable in the female than the male. Voice: Phainopeplas have been found to imitate the calls of twelve other species, such as the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and the northern flicker (Colaptes auratus).
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November, December, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Phainopepla?
- The phainopepla is a striking bird, 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 in) long with a noticeable crest and a long tail; it is slender, and has an upright posture when it perches. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Phainopepla?
- The Phainopepla is a small sized bird weighing about 22 g.
- Where can you see a Phainopepla?
- The Phainopepla occurs in 3 countries, including the United States and Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Phainopepla?
- The Phainopepla is most easily confused with the Black-and-yellow Phainoptila.
- Is the Phainopepla endangered?
- The Phainopepla is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Phainopepla for real
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