Phainopeplas in the Anza-Borrego Desert

Phainopepla. Agua Caliente Hot Springs, California. March 16, 2019.

My favorite desert bird is the Phainopepla. It is one of a small group of 4 bird species called "Silky Flycatchers." Formerly--and even now--some authorities group them together with the waxwings.

Phainopeplas breed in early spring in the desert mesquite, then pop over the mountains to the west and breed again in drier oak canyons. In both places they feed on mistletoe berries and are rarely seem away from this hemiparasite (parasitic plant that feeds on others, but also has chlorophyl).

This post shows birds photographed at three different locations on one weekend. This is an indication of both how common and photogenic they are, and how much I admire them.