Say's Phoebes in Idaho
When Say's phoebes are present in Idaho, when they nest, which native Idaho plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–7b yard.
- Status in Idaho
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–7b
When to expect Say's phoebes in Idaho
Say's Phoebes are summer residents in Idaho, 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 sagebrush plains along the Snake River and forested mountains to the north and center.
Nesting in Idaho
Across Idaho, 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.
Hot, dry summers in the Snake River Plain and cool mountain summers.
- Say's Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, chokecherry, common hackberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native Idaho plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Idaho, these 8 provide food or cover Say's phoebes use:
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Sweet dry fruit on the branch all winter.
Seeds and bark insects; pygmy nuthatch and woodpecker habitat.
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 Idaho year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In Idaho's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in Idaho year-round?
No. Say's Phoebes are summer breeders in Idaho and leave for the winter.
When do Say's phoebes nest in Idaho?
Nesting in Idaho 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 Idaho?
Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Common hackberry, Ponderosa pine, Rabbitbrush, Douglas fir, Willow (Bebb) are native plants in Idaho that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Idaho
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 — Idaho
- 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.