Black Phoebe's range in California (1 Viewer)

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Cheebugger79

New member

• Feb 24, 2019

• #1

Hi, can anyone expound upon the typical range and habitat of the black phoebe? I have one single sweet little phoebe who is a regular in my backyard along with the finches, juncos, sparrows and doves. I live right in the middle of LA and about 7 miles from the coast. I read that phoebes require a body of water but this sweetie is here daily and has been for some time. I wonder why? Anyone know? Have never seen a mate either.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Feb 24, 2019

• #2

Maybe a young bird that has been forced off better habitat by territorial adults. It may only be around for the winter, and move to better habitat to find a vacant breeding territory in spring.

 

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Cheebugger79

New member

• Feb 25, 2019

• #3

Nutcracker said:

Maybe a young bird that has been forced off better habitat by territorial adults. It may only be around for the winter, and move to better habitat to find a vacant breeding territory in spring.

Click to expand...

That's a sad thought. However, this black phoebe is here year round! I also read that they eat insects mid air- very cool - but I observe him or her scavenging on the ground pretty often (seed and peanuts). Just an odd bird I guess

 

Kevin Conville

yardbirder

• Feb 25, 2019

• #4

My Sibley's says "uncommon along streams and ponds with marshy vegetation and overhanging trees".
I can tell you that in SoCal they are common and often found no where near water.
I see them virtually everywhere I go.

 

pbjosh

missing the neotropics

• Feb 25, 2019

• #5

In CA, at least from Tijuana up to about San Francisco, they seem to have adapted quite well to urban gardens. I don't know about other parts of the US but in most of their range from Mexico to N Argentina they remain a riparian / wetland bird that, while not rare, is certainly less frequently seen than in suburban coastal CA.

 

Jos Stratford

Eastern Exile

Staff member

• Feb 25, 2019

• #6

Agree with Kevin, common in much of California and Arizona in many habitats, often dry and semi-arid areas not near water, including suburban, etc