Say's Phoebes in Nevada
When Say's phoebes are present in Nevada, when they nest, which native Nevada plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–10a yard.
- Status in Nevada
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–10a
When to expect Say's phoebes in Nevada
Say's Phoebes are summer residents in Nevada, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Great Basin cold desert in the north and Mojave hot desert around Las Vegas.
Nesting in Nevada
Across Nevada, 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.
Very hot, dry summers; water is the top attractant.
- 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 Nevada plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Nevada, these 7 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.
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 Nevada year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In Nevada's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in Nevada year-round?
No. Say's Phoebes are summer breeders in Nevada and leave for the winter.
When do Say's phoebes nest in Nevada?
Nesting in Nevada 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 Nevada?
Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry, Ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, Rabbitbrush, Douglas fir, Willow (Bebb) are native plants in Nevada that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Nevada
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 — Nevada
- 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.