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).
Best time to see a Eastern Phoebe
The best time to see a Eastern Phoebe is January–July, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 94,086 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Eastern Phoebe? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Eastern Phoebe sightings near you
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