This is the one photo I took of Say’s Phoebe, a new lifer for me. I have only seen this bird one time. Say’s Phoebe is a slender, long-tailed flycatcher with a cinnamon belly, blackish tail and brownish on top.
Say’s Phoebe – Sayornis saya
Say’s Phoebe was named after a 19th century naturalist, Thomas Say, who first identified the bird. Phoebe is onomatopoetic because its call sounds like “fee-bee.”
Habitat
Say’s Phoebes live in dry areas including foothills, canyons and deserts.They stay away from forests and wetlands. They are also found in grasslands and agricultural areas.
Map
Food
They eat mostly insects including flies, bees, grasshoppers and beetles.
Nests
The male and female scout together for a site for their nest. Their main concern is protection from above. They may nest under the eaves of a home or in a barn, or a natural site like a cave or under an outcropping. Their nests are cup shaped, six inches wide and about seven inches long. They’ll use rocks, plants, wood, grasses, and spiderwebs to form the base of the nest. They line the nest with feathers, hair and wool. They may use nests from other species or return to their nest the following year.
Although they are monogamous, they live separate lives when mating season is over.
Sounds
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Says_Phoebe/sounds
Thomas Say also discovered a new species of owl. He named it, “Say’s Whoo.”
😅
Such a cutie! I thought I had heard this bird before but I listened to the bird on the link, nope. I confused it with a bird in Michigan.
I did hear it on a walk this week, but couldn’t spot it.
Looks much like a very slim robin to me! You’re becoming quite the lucky bird spotter EA. Lots of new ones popping in and you seem to be in the right place at just the right time.
Once again I’m out of birds. But you never know who might show up this week.
I know the Audubon Society would enjoy you!
Thanks!
Wow wonderful post ..
Thanks!
That’s a wonderful lifer for you. I’m sure you’ll see it more often, now that you’ve noticed it
I hope so. I’d like to get more photos of the Say’s Phoebe. The Merlin app picked it up during a walk this week by its call, but I couldn’t spot it.
A lovely bird. Wonderful photo
Thank you! 😊