Birds Of Southern California

Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens)

The Phainopepla or Northern Phainopepla is the most northerly representative of the mainly tropical Central American family Ptilogonatidae, the silky flycatchers. Its name is from the Greek phain pepla meaning "shining robe" in reference to the male's plumage. The Phainopepla is a striking bird, 16–20 cm long with a noticeable crest and a long tail; it is slender, and has an upright posture when it perches. Its bill is short and slender. The male is glossy black, and has a white wing patch that is visible when it flies; the female is plain gray and has a lighter gray wing patch. Both sexes have red eyes, but these are more noticeable in the female than the male. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)