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Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Black Phoebe Photo

© Marie Read

A small black-and-white flycatcher of the Southwest, the Black Phoebe is often found around people, but nearly always near water.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Flycatchers
Flycatchers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small songbird; medium-sized flycatcher.
  • Black above and below.
  • White belly and under tail.
  • Wags tail.

Immature Description

Immature like adult, but with cinnamon edging to wing and back feathers.

Range Map Help

Black Phoebe Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • All phoebes wag their tails.
  • Say's Phoebe is gray with a reddish belly.
  • Eastern Phoebe can appear dark, but the top of head usually contrasts with a lighter back, and the throat is not black.