The Black Phoebe is the only all-black flycatcher in North America. It is strongly associated with water, almost always nesting near streams or ponds where it builds a mud nest on a bridge or cliff. Its range has expanded in California along with suburban development and water features. Like other phoebes, it wags its tail constantly while perched.
Best time to see a Black Phoebe
The best time to see a Black Phoebe is January–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 78,316 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black Phoebe? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black Phoebe sightings near you
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