- The Phainopepla (Phainopepla Nitens) is a bird that belongs to the silky-flycatcher family , Ptilogonatidae - The name comes from the Greek phain pepla, which means "shining robe" - Phainopeplas are 7–7 3/4 inches (18–20 cm) long, with a long tail and spiky crest - They have short, thin bills, and dark crests - Fairly common throughout southern Arizona Birding sites in Southern Arizona