Its tendency to nest on human dwellings and under bridges has endeared it to many and earned it the common names of “bridge pewee” and “barn pewee” in 19th century North America. All photos by Walt Kent. Phoebes are a dark, drab gray-brown on the back, with faint wing bars and a light breast and belly, often washed with yellow. Watch for it constantly dipping its tail down. The genus name Sayornis is constructed from the specific part of Charles Lucien Bonaparte's name for Say's phoebe, Muscicapa saya, and Ancient Greek ornis, "bird". Spends winters in southeastern U.S. and eastern Mexico and returns north earlier than other flycatchers. Despite its plain appearance, this flycatcher is often a favorite among eastern birdwatchers. A medium-sized bird that constantly wags its tail, the phoebe also gives a vocal clue to its identity by softly uttering its name—fee-bee. Eastern Phoebe Song. Plumage is nondescript brownish above and pale below, with blurry vest. 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. CBC Photo Gallery. Features of a Good Nest Box. All phoebes have the habit of twitching their tails when perching. Despite its rather drab appearance the Eastern Phoebe is well known among those in the birdwatching community due to its characteristic song, tail flick, and early spring arrival. BE AWARE THAT HABITAT TYPE MORE THAN ANY OTHER FACTOR, WILL IN MOST CASES, DICTATE THE SPECIES OF BIRD THAT VISIT YOUR PROPERTY.. How to Attract Eastern Phoebe. Canon PowerShot SX60 HS. The eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is a small passerine bird. 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. La. The eastern phoebe first appears to be an unremarkable bird, rather dull and without bold markings or color. Eastern phoebe species account – Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Audio of eastern phoebe song (AU-format) - Songs and calls of some New York State birds "Eastern phoebe media". Six or seven inches long. Black bill and feet. ... Phoebes are a favorite pretty song bird. Seemingly quite tame, it often nests around buildings and bridges where it is easily observed. 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. Best of all, its gentle tail-wagging habit and soft fee-bee song make the Phoebe easy to identify, unlike many flycatchers. Adult birds have dusky gray or grayish-brown upper parts with the crown, face, and tail contrastingly darker, sometimes appearing almost black. Phoebes exhibit the characteristic phoebe up … This bird winters mainly in the southeastern U.S. and parts of Mexico. The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific association open to anyone interested in the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds. These brown-and-white songbirds sit upright and wag their tails from prominent, low perches. Eastern phoebe photo gallery at VIREO (Drexel University) Interactive range map … Winter Map from eBird Sightings of the Eastern Phoebe Nov-Feb over last 10 years Christmas Bird Count Map Historical CBC Map from USGS Common Nesting Birds See Now ... Construction Plan By downloading this nest box plan you will be subscribed to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and NestWatch enewsletters. Its tendency to nest on human dwellings and under bridges has endeared it to many and earned it the common names of “bridge pewee” and “barn pewee” in 19th century North America. Learn about Eastern Phoebe here. Often nests under eves of buildings and other structures. ... Eastern Phoebe. You will receive a confirmation email with a link to complete subscription. It frequently nests under eaves, bridges, or other overhangs on human-made structures. Phoebe, any of three species of New World birds of the family Tyrannidae (order Passeriformes). Its slender build and large head that may appear peaked at the rear are a birder's first clues about this bird's identity. Despite its plain appearance, this flycatcher is often a favorite among eastern birdwatchers. The Eastern Phoebe was the first bird to be banded in North America. In North America the best-known species is the eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), 18 cm (7.5 inches) long, plain brownish gray above and paler below. Of the three Phoebe species, the Eastern Phoebe’s call most closely resembles its name. Its slender build and large head that may appear peaked at the rear are a birder's first clues about this bird's identity. Eastern phoebes inhabit woodland and grove edges, shady ravines, river bottoms and open farm fields and natural plains if there is something to nest on or under. Listen for its low-pitched, harsh The eastern phoebe, unlike most other flycatchers, is relatively easy to identify. Internet Bird Collection. It is among the earliest of migrants, bringing hope that spring is at hand. The eastern phoebe is a rather dull phoebe found in the east and across central Canada. In 1804, John James Audubon used a silver thread attached to its leg to note when the bird would return each year. Medium-sized flycatcher, smaller than a robin. Despite its unobtrusive behavior and drab coloration, the Eastern Phoebe is a familiar bird to those who live within its range.