Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis phoebe
Silhouette: Emily Willoughby · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyTyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
- GenusSayornis (Phoebes)
- SpeciesSayornis phoebe (Eastern Phoebe)
About the Eastern Phoebe
The eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is a small passerine bird. The genus name Sayornis is constructed from the specific part of Charles Lucien Bonaparte's name for Say's phoebe, Muscicapa saya, and Ancient Greek ornis, "bird". Phoebe is an alternative name for the Roman moon goddess Diana, but it may also have been chosen to imitate the bird's call.
Measurements: Length: 5.5–6.7 in (14–17 cm) Weight: 0.6–0.7 oz (16–21 g) Wingspan: 10.2–11.0 in (26–28 cm) This species appears remarkably big-headed, especially if it puffs up the small crest. Its plumage is gray-brown above. It has a white throat, dirty gray breast, and buffish underparts which become whiter during the breeding season. Two indistinct buff bars are present on each wing. Its all-dark bill and lack of an eye ring and wingbars distinguish it from other North American tyrant flycatchers, and it pumps its tail up and down like other phoebes when perching on a branch. The eastern phoebe's call is a sharp chip, and the song, from which it may get its name, is fee-bee.
The eastern wood pewee (Contopus virens) is extremely similar in appearance. It lacks the buff hue usually present on the lighter parts of the... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Eastern Phoebe in Big Bend National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Big Bend National Park
Say's Phoebe
Sayornis saya
Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricans
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Myiarchus cinerascens
Vermilion Flycatcher
Pyrocephalus rubinus
Western Wood-Pewee
Contopus sordidulus
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
Dusky Flycatcher
Empidonax oberholseri
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Empidonax difficilis
Brown-crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus tyrannulus
Cassin's Kingbird
Tyrannus vociferans
Gray Flycatcher
Empidonax wrightii
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Contopus cooperi
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Congaree National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Big Cypress National Preserve | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Shenandoah National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 4 | Everglades National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 5 | Acadia National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 6 | Wood Buffalo National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 7 | Point Pelee National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 8 | Isle Royale National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 9 | Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 10 | Celestún Biosphere Reserve | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 11 | Saguaro National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 12 | Joshua Tree National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 13 | Cape Breton Highlands National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 14 | Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 15 | El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Eastern Phoebe in Big Bend National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Eastern Phoebe sighting in Big Bend National Park, based on 411 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Eastern Phoebe in Big Bend National Park?
December has the highest sighting rate for Eastern Phoebe in Big Bend National Park in our monthly data.