October Arrival: Eastern Phoebe

The summer birds have migrated elsewhere, leaving an absence of bird activity around town. Then a newcomer appears in late September or early October to brighten the scenery. The small, solitary Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) begins its fall-winter residency.

Often the Eastern Phoebe is described as “drab” or “dull” or “ordinary.” Admittedly, it is easy to overlook because of its subdued coloration, but overlooking that, it is noticeably bright-eyed and fresh in its fall plumage.

In the right lighting, you can see the blush of yellow on its belly and chin as it sits calmly for a portrait …

Phoebes spend a lot of time sitting still, waiting for an insect to fly by. So many places to sit: on a fence or wire…

Or on a gravestone in the Old Burying Ground …

Because it is an insectivore, you will not see Phoebes eating seeds at backyard bird feeders. Like all flycatchers, phoebes prefer to catch their meals on the go, snagging insects in midair. Spotting its prey, the Phoebe launches off the perch, darting out to snag the prey in mid-air and eat it…

Then it sits calmly again, occasionally twitching its tail up and down…

Phoebes are surprisingly comfortable around humans or maybe they’re just not interested…

Gray on gray post, this silent little bird
Swoops on its prey—prey neither seen nor heard!
A click of bill; a flicker; and, back again!
Sighs Nature an Alas? Or merely, Amen?
Walter de la mare

Here are some of the colorful relatives of the Eastern Phoebe…