The Eastern Phoebe is one of the earliest spring migrants in eastern North America, often arriving when snow is still on the ground. It constantly pumps its tail up and down while perched — a helpful identification clue. It builds mud-and-moss nests under bridges, eaves, and cliff overhangs, and was the first North American bird to be banded for research (by John James Audubon in 1804).
Habitat
Forest edges, farms, stream banks, and bridges
Diet
Flying insects, small berries, and occasional small fish
How common
Common
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