bird · GBIF taxon 2483612
Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricansAlso known as White-winged Phoebe
Black Phoebes are crisp, soot-black flycatchers with stark white bellies that are almost always found near water. They spend their days on low, conspicuous perches, pumping their tails downward before darting out to snatch insects mid-air. These adaptable birds frequently nest on human structures like bridges, eaves, and culverts, plastering mud nests to vertical surfaces.
InsectivorousUrban-AdaptedWater-Loving
- diet
- Flying insects, including flies, wasps, beetles, and occasionally small fish
- family
- Tyrannidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, water pollution, and extreme weather events
- life Span
- 5 to 8 years in the wild
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Look for the tail pump: Watch for their signature habit of rhythmically dipping their tails while perched.
- Check near water: Scan low branches, fences, and rocks near ponds, creeks, or backyard pools.
- Listen for the call: Learn their sharp, repetitive 'tsip' call and buzzy two-part song.