Say's Phoebes in Montana
When Say's phoebes are present in Montana, when they nest, which native Montana plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–6a yard.
- Status in Montana
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–6a
When to expect Say's phoebes in Montana
Say's Phoebes are summer residents in Montana, 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 — Rocky Mountain forest in the west, semi-arid Great Plains in the east.
Nesting in Montana
Across Montana, 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, dry summers and a short growing season.
- Say's Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as bur oak, paper birch, chokecherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native Montana plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Montana, these 8 provide food or cover Say's phoebes use:
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
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.
Feeding Say's phoebes through the Montana year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In Montana's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in Montana year-round?
No. Say's Phoebes are summer breeders in Montana and leave for the winter.
When do Say's phoebes nest in Montana?
Nesting in Montana 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 Montana?
Bur oak, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Common hackberry, Ponderosa pine, Rabbitbrush, Douglas fir are native plants in Montana that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Montana
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 — Montana
- 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.