Tucson, Arizona
Canon Powershot sx10is
1-12-11

Black Phoebe

Found mostly near water in the Southwest, where Eastern Phoebes occur only as a rare stray. This species nests under eves and bridges, like Eastern Phoebes, and also in coastal cliffs and canyon walls. It often hunts in streams or rivers, hawking insects actively while moving from rock to rock.

Often seen perching upright on a low, shaded branch, pumping it’s tail in a distinctive downward movement. Waits to spot a flying insect, then goes for it. Returning to a different perch each time. Has been seen to take insects and even small fish from the waters surface. Regurgitates indigestible insects parts in the form of pellets.

VOICE is a rising pee-wee followed by a descending pee-wee. Calls include a loud tsee and a sharper tsip.