# Say's Phoebe (*Sayornis saya*) Say's Phoebe is a small, cheerful bird that loves to perch on fences and rocks. With its soft gray feathers and bright orange belly, it is a friendly sight in open areas. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 25 - **Habitat:** Grasslands - **Also known as:** Say's Flycatcher ![Say's Phoebe](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Says-Phoebe.jpg&width=800) Photo: Wolfgang Wander, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Says-Phoebe.jpg) ## Appearance The Say's Phoebe is a medium-sized flycatcher with a grayish-brown back and a distinctive rusty-cinnamon belly and flanks. It has a pale throat that contrasts with its dark head, and a dark, mostly plain tail. This combination of muted upperparts and warm underparts makes it stand out from other phoebes. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Tyrannidae - **Genus:** Sayornis ## Interesting facts - Say's Phoebes often build their nests under bridges or building eaves! - Their gentle 'phee-wee' or 'py-we' call gives them their common name. - These birds are one of the earliest migratory species to return in spring! - They are fearless, often chasing away much larger birds from their nests! ## Special abilities - **Aerial Acrobat:** Say's Phoebe can catch flying insects mid-air because of its agile flight and keen eyesight, helping them get food. - **Hovering Hunter:** Say's Phoebe has the ability to hover in place, which helps them snatch insects from leaves or branches. - **Tail-Wagging Radar:** Say's Phoebe constantly pumps its tail up and down, a unique behavior that helps them balance and communicate. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 17-20 cm - **Wingspan:** 30-33 cm - **Weight:** 0.018-0.024 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-6 years - **Speed:** 35 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-7 - **Incubation:** 12-14 days - **Migration Distance:** 4000 km ## Diet & Feeding Say's Phoebes primarily feast on flying insects, catching them expertly in mid-air. - **Primary Foods:** Flies, Beetles, Wasps, Grasshoppers, Moths, Ants - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — Main food source - **Eaten by:** [Cooper's Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cooper-s-hawk) (*Accipiter cooperii*) — Common predator - **Eaten by:** [Gopher Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gopher-snake) (*Pituophis catenifer*) — Preys on eggs/chicks - **Depends on:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Uses buildings for nests ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Say's Phoebe? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Say's Phoebe? 17-20 cm ### What is Say's Phoebe's wingspan? 30-33 cm ### How much does Say's Phoebe weigh? 0.018-0.024 kg ### How long does Say's Phoebe live? 3-6 years ### How fast can Say's Phoebe move? 35 km/h ### What does Say's Phoebe eat? Say's Phoebes primarily feast on flying insects, catching them expertly in mid-air. ### Where is Say's Phoebe usually found? Grasslands ## Where to spot - [Bryce Canyon Lodge Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bryce-canyon-lodge-historic-district) — Utah, US · Historic District - [Bryce Canyon National Park Scenic Trails Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bryce-canyon-national-park-scenic-trails-historic-district) — Utah, US · Trail - [Chicken Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chicken-historic-district) — Alaska, US · Historic District - [Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chihuahuan-desert-nature-center-and-botanical-gardens) — Texas, US · Botanical Garden - [Mesilla Plaza](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mesilla-plaza) — New Mexico, US · Park - [Old Town Albuquerque](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/old-town-albuquerque) — New Mexico, US · Neighborhood [View all places to see Say's Phoebe](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/says-phoebe) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Say's Phoebe: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/says-phoebe)