An eastern phoebe was
observed by Deb Lievens on March 31, 2000. It was perched in a tree
alongside the open water near French Hall. (see "open 
water"on
the Hackett
Hill Wetlands Map.)
Phoebes are gray-brown, sparrow-sized birds (61/2-71/2" in length) whose habitat is generally in wooded areas near fresh running water. Their nesting behavior is very adaptable. Their range is from central Canada to the southern U.S., with migration as far south as Mexico in wintertime.
Phoebes are in the flycatcher family. In the summer they eat insects which they catch in flight, although in late winter and early spring they may eat seeds and berries.
The name phoebe comes from the male phoebe's call, which sounds like "fee-bee". Phoebes can also be identified by their conspicuous tail-bobbing.
Credits: The image of the phoebe and information about this bird
was found in a World Book Online Article by Fred J. Alsop,
III.
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