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Birdman Mel's Backyard Tips
Overview
Phainopepla: Small, flycatcher-like bird with glossy black body. Head has distinct crest and short, thin, black bill. Wings have large white patches visible in flight. Tail is long. Iris is red. Legs and feet are black. Feeds primarily on mistlestoe berries and small insects. Direct flight is high and fluttery.
Range and Habitat
Phainopepla: Breeds in the northern interior of California, southern Nevada, southern Utah, and southern New Mexico southward into Mexico. Spends winters in the southern part of its breeding range. Primarily found in washes, riparian areas, and other habitats that support arid scrubs.
Topo Map:
Perching-like Body
Listen to Call
Voice Text
"hoooeet", "quirk"
Interesting Facts
The Phainopepla is particularly notable for its pattern of breeding twice each year, in two different habitats.
When pursued by predators or handled by humans, it mimics the calls of other birds; imitations of at least 13 species have been recorded.
An individual eats at least 1,100 mistletoe berries per day, when they are available.
A group of silky flycatchers are collectively known as "a stand of silky flycatchers", and a "strand of silky flycatchers."
Bird Term Glossary
Author
Gary Owen Dick
Artist
Juan Costa
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