Eastern Phoebe

 

March 28th

          This afternoon, once it warmed up a little bit, we took a walk at Secor Metropark.  While walking on a swampy wooded trail, we spotted an Eastern Phoebe.  A phoebe is a dark-headed flycatcher without distinct wingbars. It has a large head that often looks peaked. It is grayish brown above and whitish below with a smudgy breast.  Phoebes are very active and generally perch low in trees or on fences.  They make short flights to catch insects and often return to the same perch.

          The Eastern Phoebe can be a favorite among birders.  They are among the earliest of migrants a sure sign that Spring is near.  They often nest around buildings or bridges where they are easily observed.  When perched, phoebes wag their tails up and down frequently.  The call of the phoebe sounds like its name (fee-bee) which makes it easy to identify.  

(1 new species, total 140)

          Eastern Phoebe

                                                            Eastern Phoebe

                                                             Another view


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