Black Phoebe in December
Where black phoebes are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Black Phoebe's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the Black Phoebe specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 6 states and provinces where black phoebes occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where black phoebes are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, black phoebes are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
Black phoebes are not nesting in December. The season runs March–June at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, black phoebes put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Insects
Always near water; builds mud nests under bridges and eaves.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full Black Phoebe diet guide → · Best feeder for black phoebes →
Watching black phoebes this month
Black phoebes are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region black phoebes are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Black Phoebe month by month
Black Phoebe by state
Frequently asked
Where are black phoebes in December?
In December, black phoebes are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do black phoebes nest in December?
No — black phoebes typically nest March through June at mid-latitudes.
What do black phoebes eat in December?
Insects.
Sources
- Black Phoebe — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black Phoebe life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black Phoebe — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
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.