Eastern Phoebes in Northwest Territories
When eastern phoebes are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
When to expect eastern phoebes in Northwest Territories
Eastern Phoebes are summer residents in Northwest Territories, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on wasps, beetles and flies.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, 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.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- Eastern Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, chokecherry, balsam fir for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Northwest Territories plants that attract eastern phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 7 provide food or cover eastern phoebes use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.
Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.
Deciduous conifer with small cones for siskins and redpolls.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Feeding eastern phoebes through the Northwest Territories year
One of the earliest returning migrants; phoebes nest on porch ledges and under bridges.
- Best foods: Mealworms.
- In Northwest Territories'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 Northwest Territories year-round?
No. Eastern Phoebes are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do eastern phoebes nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories?
Paper birch, Chokecherry, Balsam fir, White spruce, Tamarack, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for eastern phoebes.
Eastern Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
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 — Northwest Territories
- 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.