Eastern Phoebes in Quebec
When eastern phoebes are present in Quebec, when they nest, which native Quebec plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–5b yard.
- Status in Quebec
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–5b
When to expect eastern phoebes in Quebec
Eastern Phoebes are summer residents in Quebec, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on wasps, beetles and flies.
Humid continental in the St. Lawrence valley, boreal forest to the north, tundra in Nunavik.
Nesting in Quebec
Across Quebec, 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, humid summers in the south.
- Eastern Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as serviceberry, white oak, bur oak for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Quebec plants that attract eastern phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Quebec, these 8 provide food or cover eastern phoebes use:
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
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.
Feeding eastern phoebes through the Quebec year
One of the earliest returning migrants; phoebes nest on porch ledges and under bridges.
- Best foods: Mealworms.
- In Quebec'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 Quebec year-round?
No. Eastern Phoebes are summer breeders in Quebec and leave for the winter.
When do eastern phoebes nest in Quebec?
Nesting in Quebec 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 Quebec?
Serviceberry, White oak, Bur oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Eastern white pine are native plants in Quebec that provide food or cover for eastern phoebes.
Eastern Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Quebec
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 — Quebec
- 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.