Silky-flycatchers

The silky-flycatchers, a small family known as Ptiliogonatidae, consist of only four species spread across three genera. They are characterized by their soft, silky plumage, which is typically gray or pale yellow, and are adept at aerial flycatching. Most of these birds can be found in Central America, from Panama to Mexico, with the phainopepla also found in the southwestern US, notably engaging in migratory behavior in the northern part of its range. Unlike their Old World flycatcher and tyrant flycatcher relatives, silky-flycatchers do not typically migrate long distances otherwise, preferring to roam in search of fruit. They have a varied diet that includes fruit and insects, and the phainopepla especially favors the fruit of the desert mistletoe. These birds, which are usually 18 to 25 cm long, exhibit sexual dimorphism in both their plumage and tail length and are found in a range of woodland environments where they nest in trees. The four species are divided into the genera Phainoptila, which includes the black-and-yellow phainoptila; Ptiliogonys, which includes the grey silky-flycatcher and the long-tailed silky-flycatcher; and Phainopepla, with the species Phainopepla nitens.