The Eastern Phoebe is a plump songbird with a medium-length tail. It appears large-headed for a bird of its size. The head often appears flat on top, but phoebes sometimes raise the feathers up into a peak. Like most small flycatchers, they have short, thin bills used for catching insects.

The eastern phoebe breeds in eastern North America excluding the southeastern coastal United States. The breeding habitat is open woodland, farmland and suburbs, often near water. This phoebe is insectivorous, and often perches conspicuously when seeking food items.

Despite its plain appearance, this flycatcher is often a favorite among eastern birdwatchers. It is among the earliest of migrants, bringing hope that spring is at hand. Seemingly quite tame, it often nests around buildings and bridges where it is easily observed.

These brown-and-white songbirds sit upright and wag their tails from prominent, low perches. They typically place their mud-and-grass nests in protected nooks on bridges, barns, and houses, which adds to the species’ familiarity to humans.

The Eastern Phoebe may lack the visual appeal of a Northern Cardinal or Scarlet Tanager, but this drab little flycatcher is just as popular among birdwatchers. It's easy to identify, both for its onomatopoeic calls and tail-wagging habit.

Oct 23, 2024 · Eastern phoebe (sayornis phoebe) from a family Tyrannidae, is a songbird with a medium-length tail, a bit larger than a tufted titmouse. Its head appears especially big compared to its body size. Phoebes also raise the feathers on their heads, so it looks like a peak.

Mar 6, 2023 · Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is a common, brown-gray flycatcher with a pale yellow belly, dark head, and long, dark tail. If you see a small, perched bird that is dark above, pale below, and moves its tail up and down, you might be watching an Eastern Phoebe.

One of our most familiar eastern flycatchers, the Eastern Phoebe’s raspy “phoebe” call is a frequent sound around yards and farms in spring and summer. These brown-and-white songbirds sit upright and wag their tails from prominent, low perches.

A drab, medium-sized flycatcher. Brownish above and pale below, often with a light yellowish wash on the belly. Watch for constant tail-wagging, and also note duller wingbars than Empidonax flycatchers. Common and familiar throughout eastern North America, wintering as far south as southern Mexico.

Jul 9, 2024 · What Does an Eastern Phoebe Eat? The adult eastern phoebe is a small brownish gray bird with a white throat and rather plain wings. The bird’s large head is darker gray than the rest of the body. Another clue to help with ID: its habit of gently wagging its tail down and then up.