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Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Eastern Phoebe Photo

© Michael J. Hopiak/CLO

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.

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Appearance

Flycatchers
Flycatchers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small songbird.
  • Dark grayish brown back and head.
  • Lighter underparts.
  • No eyering or conspicuous wingbars.
  • Wags tail.

Immature Description

Immature like adult, but with more yellow on belly and noticeable faint wingbars.

Range Map Help

Eastern Phoebe Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Black Phoebe is darker with a dark chest.
  • Eastern Wood-Pewee has distinct wingbars and does not wag tail.
  • Empidonax flycatchers have distinct wingbars, usually have distinct eyerings, and do not wag their tails.