Say's Phoebes in Wyoming
When Say's phoebes are present in Wyoming, when they nest, which native Wyoming plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.
- Status in Wyoming
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–June
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect Say's phoebes in Wyoming
Say's Phoebes are summer residents in Wyoming, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Nesting in Wyoming
Across Wyoming, 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.
Short, warm summers with cool nights.
- Say's Phoebes don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as bur oak, chokecherry, common hackberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native Wyoming plants that attract Say's phoebes
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, these 8 provide food or cover Say's phoebes use:
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in 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.
Acorns for jays and woodpeckers across the southern Rockies.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding Say's phoebes through the Wyoming year
Nests on ledges under eaves in dry open country; an early spring arrival.
- Best foods: .
- In Wyoming's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are Say's phoebes in Wyoming year-round?
No. Say's Phoebes are summer breeders in Wyoming and leave for the winter.
When do Say's phoebes nest in Wyoming?
Nesting in Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
Bur oak, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry, Common hackberry, Ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Wyoming that provide food or cover for Say's phoebes.
Say's Phoebes in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
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 — Wyoming
- 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.