Phainopepla ACEO in acrylics

This one was rather fun to paint as it is always a bit tricky when painting just black feathers.  Rather pleased with how it turned out.

Phainopepla's are a songbird found in South Western United States and Mexico.  Its name is derived from the Greek words phain pepla which means "shining robe" and is in reference to the males shiny jet black plumage.  They measure around 18 - 21 cm in length and weigh between 18 - 28 grams.  A individual bird can eat up to 1100 mistletoe berries in one day if they are available.

Phainopepla measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches and is painted on Colourfix Smooth paper.

Many thanks to Alan Schmierer for the reference photo.

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