Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

This bird is famous for its 'tail-wagging' habit, where it rhythmically pumps its tail down and up while perched.

Scientific name

Sayornis nigricans

Taxonomy

Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Tyrannidae › Sayornis

IUCN Red List status

Least Concern

Population trend

increasing

Biome

wetland

Habitat

Riparian zones, coastal cliffs, and suburban parks, almost always near a water source.

Diet

Insectivore, primarily consuming flies, bees, wasps, and beetles caught in mid-air.

Range

Western United States, Mexico, Central America, South American Andes

Size

15-18 cm in length with a wingspan of 26-28 cm.

Lifespan

7-9 years

Active

diurnal

Threats

Widespread pesticide use reducing insect populations and habitat degradation of riparian corridors.

Safe to approach?

Harmless and often bold around humans. Maintain a respectful distance of 5-10 feet. If found nesting on your porch or eaves, avoid disturbing the mud nest during the spring breeding season.

The black phoebe ( Sayornis nigricans ) is a passerine bird in the tyrant-flycatcher family. It breeds from southwest Oregon and California south through Central and South America. It occurs year-round throughout most of its range and migrates less than the other birds in its genus, though its northern populations are partially migratory. Six subspecies are commonly recognized, although two are occasionally combined as a separate species, the white-winged phoebe.

Photo: Channel City Camera Club, CC-BY, via iNaturalist

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