Tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricans. Flying insects near water.
Tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)Black PhoebeSayornis nigricans
- Scientific name
- Sayornis nigricans
- Length
- 6.3 in
- Weight
- 0.5–0.8 oz
- Nest
- Mud cup on a wall or bridge near water
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 3–6 eggs
- Incubation
- 15–17 days
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
Identification
- Sooty black with a crisp white belly
- Pumps tail
- Upright posture
Voice
Sharp 'tsip' and 'fi-bee'.
Diet and feeding
Flying insects near water.
Black Phoebes by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | February–June |
| California | Year-round resident | February–June |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | March–June |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Texas | Year-round resident | February–June |
Frequently asked
What do black phoebes eat?
Flying insects near water. At feeders: .
How big is a Black Phoebe?
6.3 in long and 0.5–0.8 oz.
Do black phoebes use birdhouses?
No. Mud cup on a wall or bridge near water.
Sources
- Black Phoebe — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black Phoebe life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black Phoebe — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.