Say's Phoebes in Oregon
When Say's phoebes are present in Oregon, when they nest, which native Oregon plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9b yard.
- Status in Oregon
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9b
When to expect Say's phoebes in Oregon
Say's Phoebes are summer residents in Oregon, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades; high desert to the east.
Nesting in Oregon
Across Oregon, 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.
Dry summers west of the Cascades; hot days in the high desert.
- Say's Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, chokecherry, ponderosa pine for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native Oregon plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Oregon, 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.
Seeds and bark insects; pygmy nuthatch and woodpecker habitat.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Acorns and a rich insect community in the Pacific Northwest.
Seed for crossbills, siskins and chickadees.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Feeding Say's phoebes through the Oregon year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In Oregon's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in Oregon year-round?
No. Say's Phoebes are summer breeders in Oregon and leave for the winter.
When do Say's phoebes nest in Oregon?
Nesting in Oregon 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 Oregon?
Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Ponderosa pine, Rabbitbrush, Oregon white oak, Douglas fir, Willow (Bebb) are native plants in Oregon that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Oregon
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 — Oregon
- 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.