The Black Phoebe is a small passerine bird that is native to western parts of North America. Despite its name, the Black Phoebe has a dark gray head and breast, not black. It gets its name from its dark plumage color compared to other phoebes. The Black Phoebe is well adapted to living around humans and often nests on man-made structures. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about this charismatic little bird!
Appearance and Size
The Black Phoebe is a small, plump songbird measuring 5.5 to 7 inches in length and weighing 0.5 to 0.7 ounces. It has a large head and short tail. The adult Black Phoebe has dark gray upperparts and head, a black bill and legs, and a white belly. There is a white wingbar visible during flight. The male and female look alike. Juveniles have buffy underparts and may lack the white wing patch.
When perched, the Black Phoebe frequently pumps its tail up and down, similar to other flycatchers. This motion gives it its name, as it looks like it’s wagging its tail while calling “phoebe!”
Song and Call
The song of the Black Phoebe is a raspy “phoebe” call, which gives the bird its name. It also makes a variety of chattering and clicking sounds. The phoebe song is often the first clue that this bird is nearby. Males and females duet with a warbled song during courtship and nesting season.
Here are some examples of the Black Phoebe’s vocalizations:
- Call: harsh “phoebe”
- Alarm call: rapid “pit-pit-pit”
- Song: warbled “phoebe” interspersed with trills and chatter
Range and Habitat
The Black Phoebe has a range that extends along the Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia down through California and into Mexico. They are year-round residents throughout most of their range. However, some northern populations may migrate short distances.
This species lives in a variety of open and partly sheltered habitats near water. Typical environments include:
- Near streams
- Lakeshores
- Coastlines
- Canyons
- Woodland edges
Black Phoebes readily adapt to manmade areas and are common around structures such as bridges, barns, and houses. They are often found perching on fences, power lines, or other lookout posts.
Diet
The Black Phoebe is an insectivore, feeding mainly on insects and other small invertebrates. Major prey items include:
- Flies
- Moths
- Beetles
- Bees
- Wasps
- Dragonflies
- Grasshoppers
- Spiders
They capture flying insects while perched, often by flying out and returning to the same perch. They also sometimes catch prey like spiders while hovering briefly. Black Phoebes forage primarily near water, hawking insects from low vegetation or the water’s surface.
Nesting
One of the most fascinating facts about Black Phoebes is their nest-building behavior. Unlike many birds that built nests in trees or shrubs, the Black Phoebe often nests on human-made structures like bridges, porch eaves, barn walls, and concrete blocks.
Nest building occurs from March through June. The nest is an open cup made of grass, moss, mud, and other materials. It is lined with feathers, hair, and fine grass. Females lay 2-6 eggs that are buff colored with brown spots. Incubation lasts 16 days. Both parents feed the young, which leave the nest at 14-21 days old.
Black Phoebes frequently re-use and repair the same nest for consecutive broods and years. One nest was documented being used for 15 years! These birds exhibit a strong nest site fidelity once they choose a suitable location.
Migration
Compared to many other bird species, the Black Phoebe has minimal migration habits. They rarely travel significant distances between breeding and wintering grounds. However, some northern populations show nomadic movements in winter to avoid harsh weather.
In fall and winter, they may migrate locally to lower elevations or more southerly areas. But most Black Phoebes stay within about 100 miles of their breeding sites year-round. Even as far north as Canada, most individuals stay put through winter.
Conservation Status
With a large range and increasing population trend, the Black Phoebe is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 4.5 million. Numbers appear to be stable or growing across most of their range.
These adaptable birds have actually expanded their range along the Pacific Coast over the last 100 years. They are also more frequently found inland near rivers and lakes than historically. This expansion is likely due to increased nesting and foraging habitat from human construction of bridges and buildings.
Fun Facts
Here are a few more interesting and fun facts about the endearing Black Phoebe:
- They aggressively defend nest sites, even attacking much larger birds.
- Males perform nest building displays, like “dancing” with nest materials, to attract a mate.
- Black Phoebes often return to the exact same nest location year after year.
- While defending their territory, they may glean insects off the backs of large grazing animals.
- They are thought to mate for life, with pairs reuniting each breeding season.
- When taking flight, they typically fly low close to the ground or water.
Conclusion
The hardy Black Phoebe thrives around humans and stands out with its dark plumage capped with a white belly. These birds live along the Pacific Coast year-round, nesting on man-made structures and feeding on insects captured mid-air or gleaned from vegetation. Their raspy “phoebe” call is a familiar sound, especially near water. Although common, the Black Phoebe remains a fascinating bird perfectly adapted to its coastal and riparian mountain habitats.