The Eastern Phoebe is a small songbird found in eastern North America. As their name suggests, Eastern Phoebes like to call out “phee-bee” in a clear whistled song. These active little birds are a pleasure to have around and provide free pest control by eating insects. Read on to learn more about what makes the Eastern Phoebe special.
What does the Eastern Phoebe look like?
The Eastern Phoebe is a plump little songbird with a round head and short bill. They measure 5.5-6.5 inches in length and weigh 0.9-1.1 ounces.
Eastern Phoebes have grayish-brown upperparts and a pale underbelly. Their tail is long in proportion to their body size. The tail frequently bobs up and down whether the bird is perched or flying. Eastern Phoebes do not have any streaking or markings on their chest and belly.
Male and female Eastern Phoebes have similar plumage. Juveniles have buffy tips on their wing feathers when they leave the nest. These tips wear off as the birds mature.
Where is the Eastern Phoebe found?
As the name suggests, Eastern Phoebes live in eastern North America. Their breeding range stretches from southeastern Canada down through the eastern United States.
Eastern Phoebes breed as far north as Newfoundland. Their range extends west to the edge of the Great Plains in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
These birds can be found year-round throughout much of their eastern breeding range. However, Eastern Phoebes that nest farther north migrate south for the winter. Their winter range stretches from southern Ontario south to the Gulf Coast.
Eastern Phoebes are rare west of the Continental Divide. But vagrants occasionally appear in western states.
What kind of habitat does the Eastern Phoebe prefer?
Eastern Phoebes are very adaptable birds when it comes to nesting and foraging habitats. They have learned to take advantage of manmade structures and are common in rural areas, suburbs, and parks.
These birds often nest on human structures like bridges, barns, sheds, porches, and eaves. They also build nests on rock ledges and in crevices. Tree hollows, nest boxes, and caves may be used less frequently.
Eastern Phoebes perch on branches, overhead wires, fences, and other exposed perches while hunting insects. They forage in open woodlands, along waterways, over fields, and in other semi-open areas with some trees.
What does the Eastern Phoebe eat?
Eastern Phoebes are insectivores, meaning they eat insects and other arthropods. They capture insect prey while flying out from an exposed perch.
Some of their common prey include:
- Flies
- Bees
- Wasps
- Butterflies & moths
- Beetles
- Spiders
Eastern Phoebes will also eat seeds and berries at times. But they get most of their nutrition from insects, especially flies.
A mated pair of Eastern Phoebes may consume thousands of insects each day while raising a brood of nestlings. So they provide excellent natural pest control.
When does breeding season occur?
Eastern Phoebes breed fairly early in spring. They arrive on their breeding grounds in March or April depending on latitude.
Courtship and pair formation takes place shortly after the birds arrive back from migration. Nest building typically begins in late March to mid-April.
The female Eastern Phoebe builds the nest with material like mud, moss, grass, bark strips, rootlets, and plant fibers. Nest sites are often reused in subsequent years.
Breeding Timeline | Activity |
---|---|
Late March to mid-April | Nest building |
April to early May | Egg laying and incubation |
May to early June | Nestlings hatch and are raised |
Late June to Mid-July | Fledglings leave the nest |
The female lays 3-6 eggs which she incubates for about 16 days. Both parents feed the hatchlings. The young leave the nest at around 16-20 days old.
Eastern Phoebes in the southern part of the range and in Florida may have a prolonged breeding season from February to June. Further north, they raise just one brood per summer. Second broods are rare.
How do Eastern Phoebes nest and raise young?
Eastern Phoebes are solitary, monogamous breeders. This means one male pairs with one female each season.
The female builds an open cup nest out of mud and plants. Eastern Phoebe nests are usually attached to manmade structures like bridges, barns, and houses. Nests may also be built on rock ledges or in crevices.
The nest attachment and bowl-shape offer protective coverage from above. But Eastern Phoebe nests are open in the front since they are not spherical enclosed nests.
The female lines the interior with softer material like grass, hair, and feathers. She lays 3-6 white eggs at a rate of one per day. Only the female incubates the eggs.
Both parents feed the hatchlings a diet of insects and other arthropods. The young leave the nest at 16-20 days old and remain dependent on their parents for 2-3 more weeks.
Young from the first brood may help the parents care for a second brood later in the summer. This cooperative breeding is unusual for Eastern Phoebes.
What are some interesting facts about Eastern Phoebes?
Here are a few fascinating facts about these flies, catchers:
- They aggressively defend their nests by diving at intruders while calling “phee-bee.”
- Male Eastern Phoebes sometimes sing while perched on the nest.
- They reuse nests from previous years, with the female repairing old nests.
- Eastern Phoebes arrive early on their breeding grounds and endure cold spring weather.
- They frequently pump their tails whether perched or flying.
- Rarely observed feeding at bird feeders unlike many other flycatchers.
- Occasionally reported imitating whistles and calls of other birds.
What is the conservation status of Eastern Phoebes?
The Eastern Phoebe has a large range and abundant overall population. The IUCN Red List categorizes them as a species of Least Concern.
Population trends measured over decades show mixed results. Breeding Bird Survey data indicates a survey-wide population increase from 1966 to 2015. However, more recent Christmas Bird Count data shows a decline in Eastern Phoebes from 1970 to 2017.
Regardless, this species adapted well to manmade structures providing nest sites. They remain common throughout their range despite some local declines.
Threats include:
- Pesticide use reducing insect prey abundance
- Climate change disrupting migration and breeding
- Habitat loss
Backyard birders can help Eastern Phoebes by providing nest platforms and boxes. Reducing pesticide use and planting native plants that attract insects are other ways to support these birds. Most importantly, Phoebes benefit from widespread appreciation as charismatic little insectivores.
Where can I observe Eastern Phoebes?
Eastern Phoebes prefer open and semi-open habitats with some trees and open perches for hunting. Here are some places you may spot these tail-pumping flycatchers:
- Parks, suburban yards, and landscaped areas
- Farms and rural homesteads
- Bridges, barns, and other structures with ledges for nesting
- Partially open woodlands and forest edges
- Along rivers and streams
- Fields and pastures with scattered trees
Eastern Phoebes are not shy around humans. Check any manmade structures with overhangs such as porches, sheds, and garage overhangs. You may find a Phoebe nest tucked up under the edge of a roof.
Listen for their “phee-bee” call and look for tail bobbing. Eastern Phoebes often return to the same nest site each year, so you’re likely to spot a pair in the same area over successive seasons.
What is the typical lifespan of an Eastern Phoebe?
The typical lifespan of an Eastern Phoebe in the wild is not precisely known. Banding studies have found lifespans over 5 years to be common. The longest lived banded Eastern Phoebe was documented at 13 years and 2 months old.
Like many passerines, the annual mortality rate for Eastern Phoebes is estimated around 50-60%. However, those that survive the first year have relatively high annual survival rates of 45-80% in subsequent years. The oldest wild Eastern Phoebe was almost certainly older than 13 based on these survival rate estimates.
Major causes of mortality include predation, disease, parasites, harsh weather, and food shortages. Eastern Phoebes face the greatest threats during the hazardous migration and first year of life. Those that make it to adulthood may live 5-10 years on average. The lucky few with minimal environmental risks can potentially survive over a decade.
How do Eastern Phoebes communicate with each other?
Eastern Phoebes communicate in several ways:
Vocalizations
Eastern Phoebes are named for their primary call, a clear whistled “phee-bee.” They vocalize frequently to communicate with mates and signal territorial ownership. Other calls include soft chips and pleading yeeps.
Body language
Postures communicate aggression, submission, and breeding readiness. Solo flight displays impress potential mates. Constant tail bobbing signals alertness.
Nest construction
The female communicates her commitment to a mate through nest building efforts.
Duets
Mated pairs perform duets, matching their “phee-bee” calls while perched together. Duets strengthen pair bonds.
Song learning
Young Eastern Phoebes may learn songs and calls from their parents. This helps birds identify mates of their own species.
So while simple in structure, Eastern Phoebe vocalizations convey a variety of essential information when combined with non-vocal signals. Their frequent calling advertises territory ownership and breeding status.
How do Eastern Phoebes migrate?
Most Eastern Phoebes that breed in the northern parts of the range migrate south for winter while birds further south remain year-round residents. They migrate alone during the day and catch flying insects along the way when possible.
Spring migration occurs from March to May depending on latitude. Males generally arrive a few days before females on the breeding grounds. In fall, migration picks up in August and peaks from late September to early October as birds move south for winter.
Eastern Phoebes are diurnal migrants, traveling mainly during the daytime. They can cover over 100 miles in a single day during peak migration. Migrating flocks consist of loose aggregations of birds rather than tightly packed groups.
These birds fly at low altitudes during migration, alternating flapping flight with short glides. Their migration path follows the Atlantic coastline as they move between breeding areas and wintering grounds.
Since they migrate during the day and feed along the way, Eastern Phoebes can take breaks when conditions deteriorate. This makes their migration less perilous compared to birds traveling greater distances nonstop over oceans and mountains.
Still, migrating Phoebes face hazards including storms, food shortages, predators, collisions, and habitat loss along migration routes. Many birds fail to successfully migrate either north or south each season.
What ecological roles do Eastern Phoebes serve?
The Eastern Phoebe fills several important ecological roles:
Insect Control
Eastern Phoebes are voracious consumers of flies, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and beetles. A family can consume thousands of pest insects daily. Their insect control benefits humans, plants, and ecosystems.
Seed Dispersal
When eating berries, Eastern Phoebes swallow seeds and later deposit them through excrement. This aids regeneration of plants.
Prey Base
Small hawks and other predators eat Eastern Phoebes. This transfers energy up the food chain.
Indicator Species
As sensitive insectivores, Phoebes signal habitat quality and pollution through their population health. Declines may indicate insect loss.
Pollination
Some nectar consumption while hunting insects leads to minor pollen transfer between plants.
So while small, the Eastern Phoebe contributes meaningfully to its habitat through pest control, seed dispersal, energy transfer, and indicator value. Their willingness to use human structures also makes Phoebes fun birds to observe in suburban areas.
How are Eastern Phoebe populations monitored?
Several programs monitor breeding populations and range changes for Eastern Phoebes:
Breeding Bird Survey
Experts perform annual point count surveys along designated routes across North America. Trends in Eastern Phoebe counts provide an index of population change over decades.
Christmas Bird Count
Volunteer birders conduct winter bird counts within established circular areas. Changes in Eastern Phoebe numbers seen in winter can indicate population shifts.
Migration Monitoring
Observation stations count migrating Eastern Phoebes to track timing, routes, and numbers passing through. Banding provides migration data for individuals.
Nest Box Programs
Tracking nest box occupancy and reproductive success estimates local productivity.
eBird
This citizen science database compiles millions of Eastern Phoebe sightings submitted by birdwatchers. Models estimate distributions and range changes from these observations.
Combining data from structured surveys, citizen science, and banding studies paints a detailed picture of Eastern Phoebe populations over time. This informs conservation efforts for the species.
How can I attract Eastern Phoebes to my yard?
Here are some tips to lure Eastern Phoebes to your property:
- Add a nest platform under roof eaves, on a shed, or below a deck.
- Put up nest boxes suited for Eastern Phoebes.
- Provide open perching spots like posts, wires, or dead snags.
- Include shallow water sources like a bird bath or fountain.
- Avoid pesticides so insects thrive for eating.
- Landscape with native plants that attract insect prey.
- Install swift nest boxes since Phoebes may use them.
- Let dead leaves remain as shelter for insect food sources.
Ideal habitat includes a mix of open areas for hunting adjacent to trees, structures, or cliffs for nesting. Standing dead trees provide important perching sites.
Once established, Eastern Phoebes often come back year after year. Provide suitable habitat, and you’ll likely be rewarded with a loyal Phoebe family.
Conclusion
The Eastern Phoebe is a delightful songbird brightening up backyards, parks, and rural areas in eastern North America. These vocal flycatchers arrive early in spring to start nesting. They epitomize resourcefulness by adapting human structures into nest sites.
Eastern Phoebes voraciously consume pest insects while adding lively spirit with their constant tail wags and calls. Peaceful and mild-mannered, they coexist amiably with humans and provide free pest control.
While common, Eastern Phoebes face threats from habitat loss and pesticides. We can support them by providing nest sites, reducing chemicals, and landscaping with native plants. With a little help, the Eastern Phoebe remains a thriving part of North America’s avifauna for generations to come.