Eastern Phoebe

15-18 cm (6-7") Common east of Rockies in forested areas near streamsides, bridges, farms, roadsides, and towns.

Dark head, no eye ring, no wing bars. Upright posture and tail wagging habit help identify this flycatcher. Told from pewees by its darker head than back and lack of wing bars. Empidonax flycatchers have eye rings and wing bars.

Song: asks "Phoebe?" and then answers "Phoebe!"; sharp chip call.

Videos

Images

Credit: Larry Bond

Distribution Maps

Eastern Phoebe winter distribution map

Eastern Phoebe distribution map