Phainopepla Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A slender, long-tailed songbird with a distinct crest.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Juniper Titmouse, smaller than a Northern Cardinal.

  between sparrow and robin

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 7.1-8.3 in (18-21 cm)
    • Weight: 0.6-1.0 oz (17.9-28.1 g)
    • Wingspan: 10.6-11.4 in (27-29 cm)

  © gord smith / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Adult males are glossy black with red eyes and large white patches in the wings (visible in flight). Adult females are mousy grayish brown with red eyes; immatures are similar but with brownish eyes.

• Behavior

  Phainopeplas feed on mistletoe in winter, and on other berries (and insects) in spring through fall. At most times of year, they are territorial, often perching for long periods to watch for intruders as they guard berries, nests, and territorial boundaries. Sometimes they nest in small colonies, and after breeding they often form large flocks. Most winter at lower elevations in deserts and move in warmer months to higher elevations.
• Habitat

  Desert washes with abundant mistletoe, orchards, chaparral, Joshua tree woodlands, oak and sycamore woodlands.