Today, we’re talking about Eastern Phoebes. These tail-wagging, expert insect-catching birds are a treasured sight for many of us birders.

The Eastern Phoebe has an unassuming appearance with a grayish-brown head and back, and a white underside often tinged with yellow. Yet, it remains a favorite among birdwatchers and we are eager to find out more about this treasured bird.
Maybe you’ve already heard its distinctive song, or witnessed its incredible insect-hunting skills. But, this bird has even more interesting facts hidden up its feathers – so let’s delve into ten fascinating facts about the Eastern Phoebe.
1. The Eastern Phoebe Sings Its Name
Many birds are named after the person who discovered them, think Wilson’s warbler or Allen’s hummingbird. You could easily be fooled into thinking that the Eastern Phoebe was similarly named after a “Phoebe” something. In reality, these birds get their name from their two-noted ‘fee-bee’ song.

In North America, there are two other species of Phoebes: The Say’s Phoebe and the Black Phoebe.
Listen to the Eastern Phoebe here.
2. Not Just Dogs Wag Their Tails – So Do Phoebes
Along with their ‘fee-bee’ song, Eastern Phoebes are recognised by their distinctive tail-wag. When perched, these birds bob their tails up and down repeatably. They seem to be continuously fidgeting – just like when I’m in the waiting room at the dentist!
Research suggests that this tail-wag signals to predators that the bird is alert and aware of their presence, and therefore not worth attacking.
3. The Eastern Phoebe Is a ‘Flycatcher’

Eastern Phoebes belong to the Tyrant Flycatcher family (Tyrannidae), known for their insect-hunting prowess. These birds select a strategic perch, wait for their prey, and then rapidly chase it down, catching it in midair. They are well-adapted for their main diet of flying insects including flies, bees, butterflies and beetles. They can also eat non-flying insects and, occasionally, berries and seeds in winter.
Bonus Fact: Phoebe’s will regurgitate the parts of insects they can’t digest into small round pellets.
4. It is the Loner of the Bird World
The Eastern Phoebe is the loner of the bird world. We all enjoy a bit of ‘me time’, but this bird likes complete isolation outside of the breeding season. Although Eastern Phoebes stay with the same mate for life, they only meet up in the breeding season. Even then, they don’t spend much time together, and females often chase the male away during nesting.

Despite their solitary nature, Eastern Phoebes are surprisingly comfortable around humans. They often nest on man-made structures like houses, bridges and barns, and so, have become accustomed to human presence.
5. This Bird Was A Milestone in the Ornithological World
In 1804, the Eastern Phoebe became the first banded bird in North America. John James Audubon attached a silver thread to an Eastern phoebe’s leg to track its movements over successive years. Today, bird banding (or ringing) is a vital tool in bird research and conservation. The US Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab has banded an estimated 77 million birds in the past 100 years.

6. The Oldest Known Eastern Phoebe Was 10 Years Old
Thanks to banding efforts, we know of the oldest recorded Eastern Phoebe. It was banded in Iowa in 1979 and later found in Alberta in 1989, at 10 years and 4 months old.
7. Eastern Phoebes Arrive Early and Leave Late
Eastern Phoebes are among the earliest migrating birds, beginning their northward journey in February. They breed across Canada and the eastern United States, remaining here until fall and even into November. Afterward, they return to their wintering grounds in the southeastern United States and eastern and central Mexico.
8. There is a Healthy Population of These Birds
With an estimated population of around 35 million mature individuals, which appears to be increasing, the Eastern Phoebe is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List. Historically, their numbers have increased due to human expansion, which has provided more man-made structures that they can use to build their nests.
9. The Eastern Phoebe Uses Mud to Build Its Nest
Female Eastern phoebes build their nest on both man-made structures, like bridges, and natural sites, like overhanging rock ledges, typically near water. They construct a mud base and form an open cup shape using moss, leaves and grass. Inside, they line the nest with animal hair and soft plant fibers. Interestingly, these birds often share nesting locations with barn swallows and may reuse each other’s nests.
10. You Can Attract Eastern Phoebes to Your Yard

Since Eastern Phoebes primarily eat insects, a seed feeder won’t attract them to your yard. Instead, think about how to encourage more insects in your green space, such as planting a variety of native flowers and plants, adding a water source like a small pond and avoiding pesticides. Providing natural (trees, branches, rocks), or manmade perches can attract insect-hunting phoebes. They are also likely to use birdbaths.