silky
The Silky-Flycatchers are a small family of delicate, long-tailed,
thrush-sized birds that inhabit woodlands from the southwestern United
States south to the mountains of western Panama. They are thus,
essentially, a Middle American family. Three of the four species are
crested, including the northernmost representative, Phainopepla. Their
plumage ranges from silky black to gray to yellow (depending on the
species) but always with a lovely sleek sheen to it. All the species
fly-catch for insects — mostly taken in the air — but some are also
heavily dependent on berries. Phainopepla, for example, is strongly
associated with mistletoe berries in the oak woodlands of central
California. Yet in southern California and Arizona it is a desert
species in lightly-wooded riparian washes.
» Description: Rather elegant slim upright profile. Mouse-brown upperparts and pale, lightly streaked below.
» Sexes similar.
» Makes dashes after flying insects, often returning to the same perch.
» Habitat: Woodland, parks and gardens.
» Size: 14 cm (5.5")
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