Eastern Phoebes in Manitoba
When eastern phoebes are present in Manitoba, when they nest, which native Manitoba plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.
- Status in Manitoba
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–3b
When to expect eastern phoebes in Manitoba
Eastern Phoebes are summer residents in Manitoba, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on wasps, beetles and flies.
Continental, from prairie in the southwest to boreal forest and Hudson Bay tundra in the north.
Nesting in Manitoba
Across Manitoba, eastern phoebes typically nest from May–July. Nest site: mud-and-moss cup on a ledge under an overhang. Females lay 2–6 eggs, incubate for 15–16 days, and young leave the nest after 16–20 days.
Warm summers with a short, intense nesting season.
- Eastern Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as bur oak, american elderberry, eastern white pine for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Manitoba plants that attract eastern phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Manitoba, these 8 provide food or cover eastern phoebes use:
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Sweet dry fruit on the branch all winter.
Feeding eastern phoebes through the Manitoba year
One of the earliest returning migrants; phoebes nest on porch ledges and under bridges.
- Best foods: Mealworms.
- In Manitoba's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for eastern phoebes · Best feeder for eastern phoebes
Frequently asked
Are eastern phoebes in Manitoba year-round?
No. Eastern Phoebes are summer breeders in Manitoba and leave for the winter.
When do eastern phoebes nest in Manitoba?
Nesting in Manitoba typically runs May–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2–6 eggs, incubated for 15–16 days.
What native plants attract eastern phoebes in Manitoba?
Bur oak, American elderberry, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Eastern white pine, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Common hackberry are native plants in Manitoba that provide food or cover for eastern phoebes.
Eastern Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Manitoba
Sources
- Eastern Phoebe — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eastern Phoebe life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eastern Phoebe — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Manitoba
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.