Eastern Phoebe |
| Description |
The eastern phoebe is one of the most common flycatchers in the eastern and central United States. At about 5-6 inches in length, the phoebe is mostly gray with whitish underparts. Its head may appear large for its body and is usually a darker shade of gray than the rest of the body. It is told from other flycatchers by its faint wing bars and its habit of flicking its tail. It often perches on conspicuous posts like fences, dead tree branches, or wooden posts. Males and females are identical. Phoebes are usually one of the first migrants to return to nesting grounds in the spring. In some locations, they migrate back to their nesting grounds by early March. Its familiar "phoebe" call makes it easy to identify. |
| Diet |
| Phoebes eat insects such as mosquitoes, bees, and dragonflies, which are often caught in mid-air. |
| Range and Habitat |
| The eastern phoebe is found throughout the eastern and central United States in open spaces, scattered woodlands, and forest edges. They are commonly found near barns where they may nest in the eaves of structures. They are sometimes found in suburban neighborhoods with appropriate habitat. |
| Status |
| Eastern phoebes are very common. |