Phainopepla - Phainopepla nitens

Length 7.1-8.3 in (18.0-21.0 cm)
Weight 0.8 oz (22 g)
Clutch Size 2-3
Chicks at birth Altricial
IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern
Continents:NA
     

Male Phainopepla birds are quite beautiful with their glossy dark feathers, crest and red eyes. The female is more gray. They are found in arid woodlands and deserts in southwestern U.S. and Mexico. They mainly eat flying insects and fruit. One of the fruits they eat is the desert mistletoe. This fruit is the major part of their diet in the fall and winter.

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