Listen, then look for abundant Say’s Phoebe
Subtly-marked flycatcher loves bugs but unlike its cousins prefers to live in dry scrub
The Say’s Phoebe is a common flycatcher of the west. It is one of the oldest flycatcher species in North America. Fossil discoveries show that Say’s Phoebe’s have been around for at least 400,000 years.
This 7.5” phoebe has pale gray wings, a darker gray tail and a pale belly. Like many other flycatchers, the Say’s Phoebe can be found in open habitat such as parks and farm fields, but what differentiates the Say’s Phoebe from other flycatchers is that it prefers to live in dry, sparsely vegetated deserts usually below 9,000 feet.
The Say’s Phoebe’s diet consists almost exclusively of insects like beetles, grasshoppers, crickets and flies. It perches on bushes, low branches and fences waiting to fly up to catch bugs in midair or pounce on insects on the ground. They do not eat birdseed, but planting native plants and providing a water source like a birdbath can entice them to your yard. Feeding live or dried meal worms can also lure them in for a close up view. The Say’s Phoebe’s subtle markings help it blend into its desert habitat which can make it difficult to spot. Often, the best way to locate this phoebe is to listen for its low whistled call.
The Say’s Phoebe’s breeding range extends from central Mexico to Alaska. It breeds farther north than any other flycatcher. The male and female Say’s Phoebe search for a nest site together. The male flutters his wings and chatters to the female until she chooses a suitable nest site. They look for a flat ledge surface with protection from above to build the nest. They commonly build and tuck their nests in and on man made structures like barns, bridges and under porch eaves. In my neighborhood I’ve noticed a Say’s Phoebe building a nest on top of a neighbor’s alarm box just under the roof overhang. The female builds the nest using grasses, feathers, wool and hair and binds the base of the nest with spider webs. Phoebes will often reuse a nest year after year.
Say’s Phoebes are common throughout New Mexico during the spring and summer nesting season, but they do migrate south in winter where insects are more abundant. We are fortunate that Albuquerque is at the northern most tip of their winter range. Although, not as abundant in winter, Say’s Phoebes can be seen and heard year round in the central and southern regions of our state.