Say's Phoebes in Alberta
When Say's phoebes are present in Alberta, when they nest, which native Alberta plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 2a–4b yard.
- Status in Alberta
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 2a–4b
When to expect Say's phoebes in Alberta
Say's Phoebes are summer residents in Alberta, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Continental — prairie in the southeast, aspen parkland in the center, boreal forest in the north and the Rockies in the west.
Nesting in Alberta
Across Alberta, Say's phoebes typically nest from May–June. Nest site: cup on a sheltered ledge. Females lay 3–7 eggs, incubate for 12–14 days, and young leave the nest after 14–16 days.
Warm, sunny summers with long days.
- Say's Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, chokecherry, rabbitbrush for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native Alberta plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Alberta, these 8 provide food or cover Say's phoebes use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Seed for crossbills, siskins and chickadees.
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.
Feeding Say's phoebes through the Alberta year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In Alberta's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in Alberta year-round?
No. Say's Phoebes are summer breeders in Alberta and leave for the winter.
When do Say's phoebes nest in Alberta?
Nesting in Alberta typically runs May–June, with 1–3 per season. Clutches are 3–7 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract Say's phoebes in Alberta?
Paper birch, Chokecherry, Rabbitbrush, Douglas fir, Balsam fir, White spruce, Tamarack, Willow (Bebb) are native plants in Alberta that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alberta
Sources
- Say's Phoebe — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Say's Phoebe life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Say's Phoebe — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alberta
- 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.