Say's Phoebes in Colorado
When Say's phoebes are present in Colorado, when they nest, which native Colorado plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–7b yard.
- Status in Colorado
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–7b
When to expect Say's phoebes in Colorado
Say's Phoebes are summer residents in Colorado, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Semi-arid high plains in the east and the Rocky Mountains through the center, with most backyards between 5,000 and 7,000 ft.
Nesting in Colorado
Across Colorado, Say's phoebes typically nest from April–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, dry days and cool nights; afternoon storms are common in July and August.
- Say's Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as chokecherry, ponderosa pine, gambel oak for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native Colorado plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Colorado, these 8 provide food or cover Say's phoebes use:
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Seeds and bark insects; pygmy nuthatch and woodpecker habitat.
Acorns for jays and woodpeckers across the southern Rockies.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Seed for crossbills, siskins and chickadees.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Feeding Say's phoebes through the Colorado year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In Colorado's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in Colorado year-round?
No. Say's Phoebes are summer breeders in Colorado and leave for the winter.
When do Say's phoebes nest in Colorado?
Nesting in Colorado typically runs April–June, with 1–3 per season. Clutches are 3–7 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract Say's phoebes in Colorado?
New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry, Ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, Rabbitbrush, Douglas fir, Willow (Bebb) are native plants in Colorado that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Colorado
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 — Colorado
- 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.