Eastern Phoebe – Quick ID

Top Photo: Eastern phoebe.

The same bird in different light.

Eastern phoebe.
In the shadows.
Always on the alert for passing aerial insects.

Eastern phoebes are locally nesting residents who can be seen in and around our wetlands during every month of the year. They’re easy to identify due to their plainness. They’re brownish-green on their upperparts and not-quite-white on their underparts. They frequently vocalize, “ Fee-be, Fee-be,” and they have a persistent habit of pumping their tail up and down. Young birds are often greenish below.

Don’t be surprised if you see one take a wax myrtle berry or other fruit in winter.

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