Perch Supply
Tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya. Flying insects.

Tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)Say's PhoebeSayornis saya
Scientific name
Sayornis saya
Length
6.7 in
Weight
0.7–0.8 oz
Nest
Cup on a sheltered ledge
Entrance hole
Does not use nest boxes
Clutch
3–7 eggs
Incubation
12–14 days
Broods
1–3 per season

Identification

  • Grey-brown with a cinnamon belly
  • Dark tail
  • Pumps tail on perches

Voice

Plaintive 'pee-ur'.

Diet and feeding

Flying insects.

What do Say's phoebes eat?

Say's Phoebes by state and province

RegionStatusNesting
AlaskaSummer breederMay–June
AlbertaSummer breederMay–June
ArizonaYear-round residentMarch–June
British ColumbiaSummer breederMay–June
CaliforniaYear-round residentMarch–June
ColoradoSummer breederApril–June
IdahoSummer breederApril–June
KansasSummer breederApril–June
MontanaSummer breederMay–June
NebraskaSummer breederApril–June
NevadaSummer breederApril–June
New MexicoYear-round residentApril–June
North DakotaSummer breederMay–June
OklahomaSummer breederApril–June
OregonSummer breederApril–June
SaskatchewanSummer breederMay–June
South DakotaSummer breederApril–June
TexasYear-round residentMarch–June
UtahSummer breederApril–June
WashingtonSummer breederApril–June
WyomingSummer breederMay–June
YukonSummer breederMay–June

Frequently asked

What do Say's phoebes eat?

Flying insects. At feeders: .

How big is a Say's Phoebe?

6.7 in long and 0.7–0.8 oz.

Do Say's phoebes use birdhouses?

No. Cup on a sheltered ledge.

Sources

  1. Say's Phoebe — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Say's Phoebe life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Say's 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.