Eastern Phoebe
ExploreBirds
Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis phoebe
The Eastern Phoebe is a small, gray bird that loves to catch insects in the air. They are often seen perched on fences or branches, singing their cheerful song.
Habitat: Urban areas, forests
Appearance
The Eastern Phoebe is a small, plain bird with a dull gray-brown back and a whitish belly. It lacks any prominent wing bars or eye-rings, making it appear quite subtle. Its most distinctive visual trait is its constantly twitching tail, which it pumps up and down while perched.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusSayornis
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Wow! A phoebe's nest can look like a mossy cup, often stuck to a wall!
Wow! Eastern Phoebes are often one of the very first birds to announce spring's arrival!
Wow! They can catch many insects each hour, like a living fly swat!
Wow! They sometimes use the exact same nest location year after year!
Special abilities
Ability
Aerial Hunter
Eastern Phoebes can catch flying insects in mid-air because of their excellent vision and quick darting flight.
Ability
Tail Twitcher
Eastern Phoebes has a unique tail-wagging habit that helps them identify themselves to others.
Ability
Early Bird Migrant
Eastern Phoebes can arrive in northern breeding grounds very early in spring because they tolerate cooler weather.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 14-17 cm
- Wingspan
- 26-29 cm
- Weight
- 0.015-0.022 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-10 years
- Top Speed
- 40 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-8
- Incubation
- 15-16 days
- Migration Distance
- 2000 km
Diet & Feeding
These birds mostly eat flying insects, catching them right out of the air!
Primary Foods
- Flies
- Beetles
- Wasps
- Moths
- Caterpillars
- Spiders
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Catches adult honey bees in flight for food.
eaten by
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
A common avian predator of adult and young phoebes.
eaten by
Eastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Raids phoebe nests for eggs and hatchlings.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy watching birds from a distance and do not disturb their nests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Eastern Phoebe?
14-17 cm
What is Eastern Phoebe's wingspan?
26-29 cm
How much does Eastern Phoebe weigh?
0.015-0.022 kg
How long does Eastern Phoebe live?
2-10 years
How fast can Eastern Phoebe move?
40 km/h
What does Eastern Phoebe eat?
These birds mostly eat flying insects, catching them right out of the air!
Where is Eastern Phoebe usually found?
Urban areas, forests
How does Eastern Phoebe hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
Where to spot
Park27 sightings18 species
New Hampshire, US
Derryfield Park
You might spot Red-Tailed Hawk, Northern Cardinal, and Chipping Sparrow.
View guide →
Park23 sightings13 species
Illinois, US
Palmer Square Park
You might spot Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, and American Crow.
View guide →
Park50 sightings11 species
Florida, US
LaCosta Wetlands
You might spot White Peacock, Trailing Daisy, and Great Blue Heron.
View guide →
Park43 sightings11 species
Florida, US
Lake Underhill Park
You might spot Anole, Common Gallinule, and White Beggarticks.
View guide →
Park14 sightings10 species
Pennsylvania, US
Penn-Roosevelt State Park
You might spot Grey Alder, Sensitive Fern, and Interrupted Clubmoss.
View guide →
Park26 sightings9 species
Pennsylvania, US
Greenwood Furnace State Park
You might spot American Bullfrog and Allegheny Monkeyflower.
View guide →
.jpg&width=800)
