Phainopepla (hawking insects)

In the United States, the Phainopepla is a southwestern bird. In Tucson, Arizona they're here year-round.

With a gleaming black body, erect crest and dramatic red eyes, they make you take notice whenever you see one.

The white wing markings are visible only in flight, so watch for that when they fly away.

This being spring, the Phainopepla are in a nest building frame of mind. Presenting material to the female in the tree above was this male's aim.

Not bad, huh?

Fine! Okay! I get it!

This piece is rejected.

Meanwhile, the female Phainopepla in the tree concentrates on food.

The early morning sun had warmed her pale tan body and, most importantly, the sun has the flying insects up and out of the grass.

This tree borders an abandoned golf course fairway. I assume the insects have returned in numbers because the insecticide applications have stopped.

She targets an insect (upper left corner) with an abrupt course correction. Insects are high in protein and are an important food resource for this spring's eventual baby Phainopepla.

(Click any picture to enlarge)

She swings right, then left, as the tiny flying insect (center left) tries to avoid being a snack.

This is a David and Goliath match-up.

Still the insect has maneuverability on its side, though it lacks speed and endurance.

With a swift 180 degree turn, the Phainopepla grabs the insect out of the air. It looks as if this battle is over and a tiny, tiny prize has been won.

But not so fast!

Something happens between this grab-it-'n-go, as the insect escapes.

I can't truly claim the insect got clean away as this was a dizzying chain of twists and turns. It matters little though.

There will be other insects and other birds. What's important is that this exchange continues to repeat in clean air and open space.

Allan

Credits: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds
The Sibley Guide to Birds

Phainopepla

The glossy black desert bird with a commanding treetop presence and a taste for mistletoe berries is the Phainopepla.

Gleaming black from tip to tail this medium sized songbird doesn't retreat.

Instead he proudly sings his varied song, sometimes including the songs of other birds.

(pronounced: fay-no-PEP-la)

His pretty partner is also a stand-out. She's feathered in subtle shades of brown trimmed with white.

They both have bright red eyes and a crest.

In flight, Phainopeplas show still another dimension. Hidden at rest, but brilliant in the air, white wingtips flash with every beat.

Yet the Phainopepla is not only about show. They can have two broods of young per year if conditions are right. That demands a great deal of teamwork from this pair.

Even if their nests aren't elaborate, raising two broods a year requires substantial food gathering.

Here a female is returning to her well hidden nest with an insect.

(Click any picture to enlarge)

The male waits nearby with his food offering.

While glancing right... to check my intentions, she flashes her wings repeatedly to frighten an insect into revealing itself.

The Phainopepla is well suited for the hot dry desert. Phainopeplas rarely drinks water. Mistletoe berries provide their moisture requirement.

Allan
Credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds

Phainopepla

Some birds are approachable while others fly away on sight.

The Phainopepla is one bird that lets you get closer, providing you respect his space.

(pronounced fay-no-PEP-la
from the Greek "shining robe')

This gleaming red-eyed black bird of the southwestern deserts seems fearless, though he may only be curious about your presence.

A dark black bird in a hot sunny environment may look out of place, but they are a fixture in the Sonoran Desert.

The lighter colored female Phainopepla, also with a red eye, is equally approachable.

This 1st year male was attracted to a water fountain. His juvenile feathers are starting to turn black, while orange eyes shift to red.

Adult males display a brilliant flash of under wing white as they fly. The white is hidden at rest.

When most birds flee your approach, it's welcoming to come upon a fearless Phainopepla in the treetops.

It's another reward for walking in the desert.

Allan

Credits: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds
The Sibley's Guide to Birds