From Opus

Photo by Marcel Gauthier

Sayornis phoebe

[edit] Identification

• Grey-brown above
• White throat
• Dirty grey breast
• Yellowish underparts which (become whiter during the season)
• Lack of both an eye ring and wing bars, and an all dark bill distinguish it from other American flycatchers
• Pumps its tail up and down like other phoebes

[edit] Similar Species

Compare the similar Eastern Wood Pewee, which has stronger wing-bars and does not bob its tail habitually.

[edit] Distribution

A partial migrant that begins to leave breeding areas in September and returning March-May. Breeds in central and eastern Canada and throughout the eastern USA.

Winters in the south-east USA to Mexico.

In the Western Palearctic recorded only in Britain, on Lundy Island off Devon in April 1987 and probably the same bird was seen at Slapton, Devon shortly before, although this report is not currently accepted.

[edit] Taxonomy

Monotypic.

[edit] Habitat

Usually found in woodland and scrub near flowing water.

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Vocalisation

Voice is quick rough phoebe. Do not confuse with the much sweeter phoebe song of the Black-capped Chickadee.

[edit] External Links