Phainopepla, a bird as unusual as its name
The phainopepla is one of the more interesting bird species that can be spotted at the Las Vegas Wash.
Phainopepla is Greek for "shining robe" describing the glossy, solid black plumage of adult males, sometimes called the goth cardinal.
It’s the only member of the silky-flycatcher family found in North America and is not closely related to North American tyrant flycatcher species (e.g., black phoebe, willow flycatcher).
The phainopepla also has a unique migration strategy among desert songbirds; in the winter, it migrates to desert habitats in the Southwest, where it breeds in the spring, and then it migrates to coastal oak woodlands in Southern California and breeds again in the summer.
Its arrival to the desert corresponds with the ripening of its primary food source while here: desert mistletoe berries.
Despite being low in nutrients, the phainopepla’s digestive system is specialized for eating these berries, and an individual bird can eat more than 1,000 in a day.
Where to go at the Las Vegas Wash
Clark County Wetlands Park
- 210-acre Nature Preserve
- Miles of trails for walking, biking, bird watching and more
- Nature Center with 10,000 square feet of interactive displays, artwork and activities
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Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
- Home to thousands of migratory and resident desert birds
- Nine ponds available for birding
- 3/4-mile long trail accessible by wheelchair
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Water quality
See how the wetlands at the Wash clean the water that runs through them, filtering out harmful residues from fertilizers, oils and other contaminants that flow downstream.
Revegetation
Find out how we are working to replace hundreds of acres of lost wetlands vegetation through restoration efforts.
Wildlife
Learn how we study hundreds of birds, fish and other wildlife species at the Las Vegas Wash.
Wildlife research
Get your hands dirty for a great cause at the next Green-Up!
Held once a year in the spring, our Green-Up planting events along the Las Vegas Wash are great for conservationists and activists of all ages and create much-needed habitat for wildlife, reduce erosion and improve water quality. While this year's event has already taken place with 210 volunteers planting more than 3,500 native trees and shrubs, registration for the next Green-Up will open in January 2025.
Learn MoreUpcoming events and meetings
Bird Mobile Tour with Santa at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Dec. 7, 2024, 10 - 11:30 a.m.