Say's Phoebes in South Dakota
When Say's phoebes are present in South Dakota, when they nest, which native South Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–5b yard.
- Status in South Dakota
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
When to expect Say's phoebes in South Dakota
Say's Phoebes are summer residents in South Dakota, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Continental, with prairie east of the Missouri River and the forested Black Hills in the west.
Nesting in South Dakota
Across South Dakota, 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 summers with thunderstorms; the Black Hills host western mountain birds.
- Say's Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as bur oak, black cherry, american elderberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native South Dakota plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for South Dakota, these 8 provide food or cover Say's phoebes use:
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Sweet dry fruit on the branch all winter.
Feeding Say's phoebes through the South Dakota year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In South Dakota's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in South Dakota year-round?
No. Say's Phoebes are summer breeders in South Dakota and leave for the winter.
When do Say's phoebes nest in South Dakota?
Nesting in South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Bur oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Sugar maple, Chokecherry, Common hackberry are native plants in South Dakota that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in South Dakota
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 — South Dakota
- 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.