ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Eastern Phoebe

Eastern Phoebe

The Eastern phoebe is part of the flycatcher family. These birds are characterized by their stocky build, large heads and big mouths. The bill is broad and flattened. They fly out from usually exposed perches to capture insects on the wing and then return to the perch to eat. Wing bars and eyerings are important identifying characteristics; in some species the song must be heard for positive identification.

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Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 16 days

• Clutch Size: 4-5 eggs

• Young Fledge: 15-16 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects

Description
This sparrow-sized bird varies from grayish to brownish color with a light breast. There are no wing bars or eye-rings, although some immature phoebes do have wing bars. The very similar wood pewee always has distinct wing bars. An excellent field trait for the phoebe is its tail-wagging habit.

Habitat and Habits
The Eastern phoebe is usually the first flycatcher to arrive in the spring and the last to leave in the fall. It is a fairly common summer resident. They are often seen near iron or stone bridges and farm buildings. Their preferred habitat is open woodland near water. Phoebes are named for their song a clear fee-bee, repeated many times.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The nest of mud and grass, lined with moss, is attached to a rock overhang, bridge support, or barn rafter and will contain four to five white eggs.