Harbinger of Spring: A Guide to the Eastern Phoebe

The Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is a small, brownish-gray flycatcher known for its crisp, raspy “fee-bee” call and its habit of pumping its tail downward whenever it lands.

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1. Native Range and Habitat

• Range: Breeds across eastern North America; winters in the southern U.S. and Mexico.
• Habitat: Woodlands near water, farmsteads, bridges, and suburban homes.

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2. Feeding Habits: Aerial Acrobatics

• Flycatching: Phoebes sit on low branches, dive off to snatch flying insects mid-air, and return to the exact same perch.
• Diet: Flies, mosquitoes, wasps, beetles, moths, and winged ants.

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3. Unique Facts

• Audubon’s Bird Tagging: In 1804, John James Audubon tied silver threads to the legs of young Eastern Phoebes and proved that migratory birds return to the exact same nesting sites year after year!
• Mud-and-Moss Nests: Phoebes build mud cup nests lined with green moss, frequently attached to man-made structures like porch eaves, barn rafters, and bridge supports.

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4. How to Help Eastern Phoebes

• Install Nest Shelves: Place flat wood nesting ledges (6" x 6" flat floor with an open roof) under eaves or shed roof overhangs.
• Avoid Insecticides: Preserve mid-air insect populations around ponds and yard edges.