Say's Phoebes in California
When Say's phoebes are present in California, when they nest, which native California plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5a–11a yard.
- Status in California
- Year-round resident
- Nesting window
- March–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5a–11a
When to expect Say's phoebes in California
Say's Phoebes live in California all year. Wet, mild winters are the green season — the busiest time at coastal feeders as sparrows and hummingbirds settle in. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward insects in the southern deserts.
Mediterranean along the coast and Central Valley, alpine in the Sierra Nevada, and desert in the southeast.
Nesting in California
Across California, Say's phoebes typically nest from March–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.
Dry summers with little rain from May to October; water and summer-blooming natives matter more than extra seed.
- Say's Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as chokecherry, ponderosa pine, rabbitbrush for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native California plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for California, these 8 provide food or cover Say's phoebes use:
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Seeds and bark insects; pygmy nuthatch and woodpecker habitat.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Seed pods and insect-rich spring bloom.
Seed pods and cover for Verdins and quail.
Acorns anchor Acorn Woodpecker granaries and scrub-jay caches.
Acorns and a rich insect community in the Pacific Northwest.
Feeding Say's phoebes through the California year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In California's winter: Wet, mild winters are the green season — the busiest time at coastal feeders as sparrows and hummingbirds settle in.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in California year-round?
Yes. Say's Phoebes are year-round residents in California.
When do Say's phoebes nest in California?
Nesting in California typically runs March–June, with 1–3 per season. Clutches are 3–7 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract Say's phoebes in California?
Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry, Ponderosa pine, Rabbitbrush, Palo verde, Velvet mesquite, Coast live oak, Oregon white oak are native plants in California that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in California
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 — California
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.