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| © George W. Bowles, Sr. 2004/8/4 |
| Eastern Phoebe |
In 1804, the Eastern Phoebe became the first banded bird in North America. John James Audubon attached silvered thread to an Eastern Phoebe's leg to track its return in successive years. Perhaps the most familiar flycatcher in eastern North America, the Eastern Phoebe nests near people on buildings and bridges. It can be recognized by its emphatic "phee-bee" call and its habit of constantly wagging it tail.Eastern Phoebes are among the earliest spring migrants. Males begin singing their familiar song and setting up territories immediately upon returning to their breeding grounds. The singing decreases when females arrive and nesting season begins. Males perform an erratic flight display, circling and diving while singing. Phoebes originally nested on shelves in rocky ravines that are partially sheltered from above. Today, they often nest in or around human habitations. Phoebes may build their mud and grass nests inside or under the eaves of barns and sheds; they favor the undersides of bridges and culverts. They are a frequent cowbird host Found in woodlands and along forest edges, often near water. Food Flying insects. Occasional small fruits. Flies from perch near ground and pursues flying insects. Also hovers and gleans insects from substrate. Nest Type Nest an open cup, cemented with mud to a wall close to a ceiling. Nest made of mud mixed with green moss and some leaves, lined with fine grass stems and hair. Placed under bridge, cliff, or eave of building. It hatches white, occasionally with a few reddish brown dots. Clutch Size 2-6 eggs. |
