MDI Birds
  • « Return to species index

    Eastern Phoebe / Sayornis phoebe

    : Breeds. and early May-early Aug primarily on human structures and often near fresh water.

    : in open landscapes from early/mid Apr-late May and again early Sep-mid Oct, with from mid Mar and to mid Nov.

    : Dec 19, 2021 in Southwest Harbor.

    Miscellany: In 1804, Audubon famously marked nestling Eastern Phoebes at his Pennsylvania home with a silver leg thread to see if the same birds returned the next spring. Some did. Early spring and late fall phoebes are often close to water, a source of hatching insects even on very chilly days.

    You can learn more about Eastern Phoebes and see images here.

    Last Updated: March 13th, 2023