Males are a shiny black color. When observed in direct sunlight males appear to have a glossy bluish tinge. Ragged crest and red eye is diagnostic. In flight large white wing patches are visible. Females appear more gray in color, the white wing patch is barely noticeable.

Males are a shiny black color. When observed in direct sunlight males appear to have a glossy bluish tinge. Ragged crest and red eye is diagnostic. In flight large white wing patches are visible. Females appear more gray in color, the white wing patch is barely noticeable.

Common in proper habitat

Phainopeplas are usually associated with mistletoe. Rarely will you find a Phainopepla where there isn't some mistletoe near by. In addition to eating berries Phainopeplas also eat a diet of insects. Not uncommon to see them flycatching from an open exposed perch just like kingbirds and flycatchers.

Insects, berries, fruit

NA

Acker Park, Pioneer Park, Heritage Park