Eastern Phoebe

The eastern phoebe is a common flycatcher that can be found in most of the eastern half of North America at one time of the year or another. During the summer their range extends north into the upper region of Canada. During the winter they head south to the Gulf Coast, Mexico and even parts of Central America. The reason for their annual migration is due to the availability of food, as with most birds. Like most flycatcher the eastern phoebe's diet consists primarily of flying insects. During the summer there are a lot of insects in the north where the days are longer. Come winter they must leave areas that can no longer support insect life due to the cold.

Eastern phoebes are not very social birds. They usually stay clear of other phoebes. Even during the mating season they only spend a short time together as a mated pair. They do not seem to be as antisocial with humans though. Their ability to adapt to man, such as nesting on building or under bridges has helped them to thrive while other less tolerant species have declined.