Scientific Name: Phainopepla nitens

Residency: Phainopeplas are year-round residents of the southeast corner of Arizona. They are seasonal residents in the southwestern corner (winter range) and the northwestern/central corner (summer range).

Diet: Consumes beetles, moths, tree-dwelling insects, flying insects, and small fruits. This species has a close relationship with berries from the mistletoes, parasites to mesquite trees. The seeds from the berries are eaten by the Phainopepla and are digested and re-deposited upon the branches of the mesquites, thereby germinating the mistletoe.

Predators:  Adults are preyed upon by Loggerhead Shrike and nestlings are preyed upon by Cactus Wren and Loggerhead Shrike. 

Nesting: Nests are constructed by the male, using twigs, leaves, plant fibers, and spider webs, while the interior is lined with animal hair and plant material. These nests are often built within a corner of the mesquite tree, among a mistletoe cluster. The female lays slightly glossy, grayish white or pink eggs with heavy spotting.

Nesting Records: Coon Bluff.

Notes: This bird plays a crucial role in eating mistletoe berries and distributing the mistletoes seeds to areas where other mistletoe hosts, such as Mesquite or Juniper trees, are located. Mistletoe has been found to be very important, not only to its host trees and the Phainopepla, but to other animals as well.

Photo: Taken at the Watt Preserve on January 2, 2007. For more photos, click on camera icon.

To return to bird species list, close or minimize this window.