Sayornis phoebe
The Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is a charming and familiar member of the Tyrannidae family, a group commonly known as tyrant flycatchers. This small songbird measures approximately 14-17 cm (5.5-6.7 in) in length, with a wingspan of 26-30 cm (10-12 in) and a weight ranging from 16-21 g (0.6-0.7 oz). Its plumage is generally rather plain, featuring a dusky grayish-olive back, a slightly darker head, and clean whitish underparts that may show a faint yellowish wash on the flanks, especiall...
Eastern Phoebes thrive in open woodlands, forest edges, and areas near water, frequently utilizing human-made structures like bridges, buildings, and culverts for nesting. They are typically found at low to mid-elevations across their range.
Their diet consists primarily of insects, including flies, wasps, beetles, moths, and caterpillars, caught during aerial sallies. During colder months, they will supplement their diet with small fruits and berries.
Eastern Phoebes are diurnal insectivores, spending their days perched attentively, frequently pumping their tails, while scanning for prey. Their primary foraging strategy is "sallying," where they launch from a perch to snatch flying insects mid-air, often returning to the same or a nearby perch...
The Eastern Phoebe's breeding range encompasses much of eastern and central North America, extending from southeastern Canada (including southern Ontario, Quebec, and Maritime provinces) westward through the Great Plains to eastern Montana and Wyoming, and southward through the eastern United Sta...
Least Concern
- The Eastern Phoebe was the first bird ever banded in North America by John James Audubon in 1803, marking a significant milestone in ornithological study. - Its common name is onomatopoeic, directly mimicking its characteristic "fee-bee" song. - They are well-known for their habit of constantly...