Phoebe is an alternative name for the Roman moon-goddess Diana, but it may also have been chosen to imitate the bird's call. It is among the earliest of migrants, bringing hope that spring is at hand. Nest success, however, … The Eastern Phoebe is often associated with edge habitat abutting forested areas with water sources. A study of cowbird parasitism in New York State concluded that even over generations of birds, cowbirds prefer particular eastern phoebe sites, such as our old outhouse. The Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), a common summer resident in southern Indiana, makes extensive use of bridges and culverts for nesting throughout most of the eastern United States. Other threats to phoebe eggs and nestlings are black rat snakes, raccoons, coyotes, blue jays, American crows, chipmunks, and house wrens, but not one of those predators has climbed or flown into the veranda column nests. In 1804, the Eastern Phoebe became the first banded bird in North America. The eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is a small passerine bird.The genus name Sayornis is constructed from the specific part of Charles Lucien Bonaparte's name for Say's phoebe, Muscicapa saya, and Ancient Greek ornis, "bird". John James Audubon attached silvered thread to an Eastern Phoebe's leg to track its return in successive years. Tail pumping by Eastern Phoebes: an honest, persistent predator-deterrent signal? This adoption of manmade structures has allowed expansion of breeding populations far from their primeval nesting habitats and may offer increased security from terrestrial predators. Of course, there have been some mate replacements over the years, which may account for that. They also prefer nesting sites with denser shrubs nearby, for more cover from predators. Eastern Phoebe. source - Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Sayornis phoebe . Eastern phoebes are known for reusing their nest site, sometimes for years, but not our pair. This species will build nests 15 ft (4.6 m) or lower to the ground, often on sheltered man-made structures such as house eaves, and bridges. eastern phoebe ric mcarthur rick mcarthur rondeau rondeau ric Sayornis phoebe. Despite its plain appearance, this flycatcher is often a favorite among eastern birdwatchers. It’s found in woodlands, often near water sources. Get link; Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Email; Other Apps; Comments. The Eastern Phoebe is a summer breeding resident in most of Virginia and a year-round resident in the southeastern corner and Eastern Shore. These small flighty birds were just hanging out on this tree like it was there safe zone from the larger predators, yet they were flying about snatching insects out of mid air for a small feast. Seemingly quite tame, it often nests around buildings and bridges where it is easily observed. As in previous years, the prey brought to the nest includes many spiders.