Sayornis phoebe

Eastern Phoebe

Family: Tyrannidae · Class: Aves · Order: Passeriformes

The Eastern Phoebe is a medium-sized flycatcher measuring 14 to 17 cm (5.5 to 6.7 inches) in length with a wingspan of 26 to 28 cm (10.2 to 11.0 inches). Adults weigh 19 to 21 grams (0.67 to 0.74 ounces). The species exhibits a brownish-gray to olive-brown dorsal surface with a darker head and wings. The underparts are pale gray to whitish, often with a yellowish wash on the belly and undertail coverts. The bill is dark and relatively broad at the base, typical of aerial insectivores. Eastern Phoebes lack prominent wing bars, distinguishing them from similar Empidonax flycatchers. The tail is relatively long and frequently pumped downward while perched. Historically, Eastern Phoebes bred across eastern North America from southeastern Canada south to the Gulf Coast states. The species winters primarily in the southeastern United States and Mexico. In California, Eastern Phoebes are uncommon to rare visitors, typically occurring as vagrants during migration periods, particularly in fall and winter. Most California records come from desert regions and coastal areas, with documented sightings in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties. The species appears most frequently along the Colorado River corridor and in urban park settings. Eastern Phoebes inhabit open woodlands, woodland edges, farmlands, and suburban areas with scattered trees. They show a strong preference for areas near water sources, including streams, ponds, and irrigation canals. In their breeding range, they utilize bridges, culverts, building eaves, and cliff faces for nesting. During winter and migration, they occupy riparian corridors, parks, and desert oases. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes and frequently nests on artificial structures. Eastern Phoebes are aerial insectivores that capture prey through sallying flights from exposed perches. Their diet consists primarily of flying insects including flies, bees, wasps, beetles, moths, and mosquitoes. They supplement their insect diet with small fruits and berries, particularly during winter months. The species exhibits strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting territories annually. Breeding occurs from March through August, with females constructing cup-shaped nests of mud, moss, and plant fibers. Clutch size ranges from 2 to 6 eggs, typically 4 to 5. Incubation lasts 15 to 16 days, and nestlings fledge after 15 to 18 days. Eastern Phoebes commonly produce two broods per season in favorable conditions. The Eastern Phoebe is not federally or state listed in California and maintains stable populations throughout most of its range. The species has benefited from human development through the provision of nesting sites on bridges and buildings. Population trends show general stability with some regional increases in northern portions of the range. Climate change may affect migration timing and winter distribution patterns. In California, the species remains an uncommon vagrant with no established breeding populations, making conservation status assessments not applicable for the state.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.