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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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.

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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

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

Similar Species

  • All phoebes bob their tails.
  • Say's Phoebe is gray-brown above with an orangish belly.
  • Eastern Phoebe appears dark gray above. The crown usually contrasts with a lighter back, and the throat is not black.