phoebes

Phoebes are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the tyrant flycatcher family. In North America, two widely recognized forms are the eastern phoebe and the western phoebe; some classifications treat them as separate species, others as subspecies within a single species. They are insectivorous and proficient at catching flying insects in midair, typically from a conspicuous perch.

Physically, phoebes are grayish-brown above with paler underparts and a relatively plain face. They tend to be stocky with a broad bill well suited to snatching prey. Their vocalizations are a defining feature: males deliver a clear, repetitive call that is often described as “fee-bee” or similar, while the song helps defend territory during the breeding season.

Nesting takes place in open habitats near water or in urban areas. Nests are cup-shaped and constructed from mud, grasses, and plant material, affixed to vertical structures such as cliff ledges, bridge abutments, or building overhangs. The clutch typically consists of several eggs, usually three to five, with incubation and care shared by both parents. Chicks fledge after a few weeks and may raise more than one brood in a season in favorable areas.

Distribution and migration vary by population. Phoebes breed across much of North America and undertake southward migration in harsher winters, with wintering ranges extending into the southern United States and beyond in some regions. They are currently considered common and widespread, with populations generally stable and not at immediate risk.