The Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a small passerine bird that breeds in western North America. It is a flycatcher that often nests around human habitats. Black Phoebes can be found across much of western North America, ranging from southern British Columbia in Canada to central Mexico. They are most abundant in California and the southwestern United States.
Geographic Range
The Black Phoebe has a large geographic range spanning much of western North America. Their breeding range extends north to southern British Columbia, east to western Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, and south to central Mexico.
The species winters as far south as Guatemala. Within their range, they are found west of the Rocky Mountains. Key areas they inhabit within the United States include:
- California – Found year-round throughout the state.
- Arizona – Occurs year-round but more widespread during the breeding season.
- New Mexico – Breeds in suitable habitat throughout.
- Texas – Common in western parts of the state, less common farther east.
- Nevada – Occurs year-round but breeding distribution is patchy.
- Utah – Scattered breeding sites, mostly in the south.
- Oregon – Breeds west of the Cascades, winters along the entire western part of the state.
- Washington – Nesting restricted to the southwestern portion of the state.
Outside of the United States, Black Phoebes can be found in:
- Mexico – Distributed across northern and central parts of the country.
- Guatemala – Winters along the Pacific slope.
- British Columbia, Canada – Breeds in the extreme southwestern corner.
Overall, the Black Phoebe’s core range is centered in California and the southwestern US. These regions have suitable habitat and climate conditions for the species. Their range spreads out from there but becomes increasingly patchy and sparse.
Habitat Preferences
Within their broad geographic range, Black Phoebes are found in relatively specific habitat types. They are most abundant in areas that provide:
- Cliffs, canyons, and rocky sites – Required for nesting and roosting.
- Open woodlands – Usually found foraging near trees.
- Rivers and streams – Frequently found along water.
- Lakeside bluffs
- Coastlines
- Human-made structures – Often nests under bridges, in culverts, on buildings, etc.
In particular, canyons, rock faces, and bluffs near water provide ideal nesting habitat. The birds need vertical rock surfaces, preferably overhanging, with some vegetation cover nearby. They nest in crevices and holes in these rocky sites.
Access to open water is also important. Black Phoebes regularly hunt insect prey over streams, rivers, ponds and along shorelines. This explains their affinity for canyons and coastal habitats.
While natural sites offer the best habitat, Black Phoebes have readily adapted to using human structures. They often nest under bridges, in the crevices of buildings, on highway overpasses, and other manmade areas that mimic natural sites. Their ability to thrive around human activity expands their range.
Elevation
Black Phoebes can inhabit a fairly wide range of elevations depending on latitude:
- California – Found from sea level up to around 8,000 feet.
- Arizona – Occurs from 1,000 feet up to over 7,000 feet elevation.
- Colorado – Mostly found between 5,000 and 7,000 feet.
- Oregon – Mainly a low elevation species, up to around 1,000 feet.
- Texas – Occurs from sea level to around 4,000 feet.
In general, Black Phoebes reach higher elevations in the southern parts of their range and lower elevations farther north. They occur at highest densities between sea level and 5,000 feet elevation.
This matches the availability of their preferred nesting habitats. Steep, rocky canyon terrain is most prevalent at middle elevations. Coastal areas provide habitat at lower elevations. Higher elevation areas may be too extreme for the phoebes.
Distribution Maps
The range maps below illustrate the breeding and wintering distribution of the Black Phoebe across North America:
Breeding Range
Winter Range
These maps show highest densities in California and the Southwest, with more patchy distribution farther north and east. Coastal and southern regions are occupied in winter.
Population Densities
Within their occupied range, Black Phoebe densities vary greatly depending on habitat suitability:
- Excellent habitat – Canyon and coastline sites may support up to 12 pairs per 100 acres.
- Typical habitat – Woodlands and river areas average 1-2 pairs per 100 acres.
- Marginal habitat – Sparse shrublands may have just 0.5 pairs per 100 acres.
Population surveys have revealed statewide density averages of:
- California – 1.5 to 2 pairs per 100 acres.
- Arizona – 0.5 to 1 pair per 100 acres.
- Oregon – 0.1 to 0.5 pairs per 100 acres.
So California supports the highest densities of Black Phoebes, reflecting the abundance of ideal rocky canyon habitats there. Densities taper off farther north as habitat becomes patchier.
Population Trends
Black Phoebe populations appear to be stable across most of their range. Data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Counts show no significant population increases or decreases.
Their numbers fluctuate locally based on weather events and habitat changes. But in general, Black Phoebes are common, adaptable birds that are not at conservation risk.
Their ability to readily use manmade structures has likely helped maintain their populations near human settlements. They are not considered threatened or endangered anywhere within their range.
Conclusion
In summary, Black Phoebes occupy a large region across western North America. They reach peak densities in California and the Southwest. Within their range, they are found in rocky canyons, open woodlands, along shorelines, and readily around human habitats. Suitable nesting sites on cliffs and bluffs appear to be the limiting factor on their distribution and abundance. But overall, Black Phoebe populations remain stable, and they utilize a variety of natural and manmade habitats.