Phainopepla or “The Black Cardinal”
By Dave Hanks
The Phainopepla only looks like a Cardinal in its body configuration and crest. It is actually in a different family – a family known as silky flycatchers. They are closely related to waxwings. The erect crest, deep red eye, silky black body, and white wing patches (seen when in flight) give it a distinctive aura. The female is a brownish-gray, but still quite distinctive. She shows evidence of the white in her wings while perched – which the male doesn’t. I personally think that the female of this species is as attractive as the male.
This bird is found in the arid regions of the south-western USA. They prefer vegetative tangles in trees, such as old Mistletoe, in which to nest.
They have a special relationship with mistletoe. They not only nest in it,
but feed upon the berries and spread the seeds. This black flycatcher also
eats a great quantity of insects.
Their flight is fluttery but direct, and their call is a low-pitched, whistled
“wurp.” They will raise two broods a year. The second nesting occurs after
they have moved into habitat that is cooler and wetter.
Whenever we find ourselves in the arid regions of Southern California, we almost always experience this bird. My wife is always calling to me to come and see a bird. The bird is usually gone by the time I arrive. The bird in this picture was an exception. He sat there patiently and allowed me to photograph him.
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