Say's Phoebes in Washington
When Say's phoebes are present in Washington, when they nest, which native Washington plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Washington
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
When to expect Say's phoebes in Washington
Say's Phoebes are summer residents in Washington, 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, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Nesting in Washington
Across Washington, 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, sunny summers west of the Cascades; hot in the Columbia Basin.
- 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 Washington plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, 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 Washington year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In Washington's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in Washington year-round?
No. Say's Phoebes are summer breeders in Washington and leave for the winter.
When do Say's phoebes nest in Washington?
Nesting in Washington 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 Washington?
Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Ponderosa pine, Rabbitbrush, Oregon white oak, Douglas fir, Willow (Bebb) are native plants in Washington that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Washington
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 — Washington
- 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.