Eastern Phoebe Project

Like many others in New Hampshire, we have had the benefit of having Eastern Phoebe summering at our house for years. The only time I did not enjoy their presence was when they built a nest directly over our bedroom window. Each morning they would start sounding off and squabbling the minute there was any light outside. Those were early mornings.

Eastern Phoebes are voracious feeders. They spend their mornings and late afternoons swooping down from their perches to scoop up whatever insects are unfortunate enough to present themselves. This is especially obvious in May when they are rearing their first brood of chicks.

Interesting information curtesy of Cornell Labs “All About Birds” site:

• In 1804, the Eastern Phoebe became the first banded bird in North America. John James Audubon attached silvered thread to an Eastern Phoebe's leg to track its return in successive years.

• The Eastern Phoebe is a loner, rarely coming in contact with other phoebes. Even members of a mated pair do not spend much time together. They may roost together a bit early in pair formation, but even during egg laying the female frequently chases the male away from her.

• The use of buildings and bridges for nest sites has allowed the Eastern Phoebe to tolerate the landscape changes made by humans and even expand its range. However, it still uses natural nest sites when they are available.

• They mate for life, though some males have two partners instead of being entirely monogamous.