The Black Phoebe is a small songbird found primarily in western North America. This species gets its name from its dark blackish plumage and its tendency to vigorously pump its tail up and down, similar to the Eastern Phoebe. Black Phoebes inhabit a variety of open and partly wooded habitats across much of western North America. Their breeding range stretches from southwestern Canada through the western United States, down into central Mexico. They are year-round residents across most of their range.
Geographic Range
The Black Phoebe has a large geographic range across western North America. Their breeding range extends from southern British Columbia in Canada, south throughout most of western United States including California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas.
In Mexico, they can be found as far south as Oaxaca. Black Phoebes occur year-round through most of their breeding range, although some northern populations may migrate short distances. They are rare vagrants outside their normal range.
Here is a map showing the breeding and year-round range of the Black Phoebe:
Black Phoebe Range Map
Habitat
Black Phoebes use a variety of open and semi-open habitats across their wide geographic range. They are found along rivers and streams, around lakes and ponds, in canyons, and even in parks and yards in urban and suburban areas. They prefer areas with rock outcrops, ledges or other structures to perch on near water.
Some key features of Black Phoebe habitat include:
- Near water – rivers, streams, lakes, ponds
- Open areas with ample perches – rocks, ledges, branches
- Some shrubs or trees
- Human-made structures – bridges, buildings, pilings
- From sea level up to 8,500 feet elevation
Although widespread, Black Phoebes are not abundant anywhere across their range. They maintain loosely spaced territories along watercourses and are limited by availability of suitable nesting sites.
Typical Black Phoebe Habitats
| Habitat | Description |
|---|---|
| Rivers & Streams | Forage over water; nest on rock ledges, under bridges |
| Lakes & Ponds | Perch on shoreline rocks and snags; nest on cliffs, buildings |
| Canyons | Nest on canyon walls; forage along stream |
| Parks & Urban Areas | Use human structures for nesting and perching |
Breeding Range
Within their wide geographic range across western North America, Black Phoebes breed across much of their range. They nest from southwestern Canada south throughout most of the western United States and into central Mexico.
Here are some details on the Black Phoebe’s breeding range:
- Canada – Breeds in southern British Columbia
- United States – Breeds across California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and western Texas
- Mexico – Breeds as far south as Oaxaca
- Occurs year-round through most of breeding range
- Winters along coast and farther south; some short migration
Black Phoebes begin nesting fairly early in spring. Exact breeding season varies across their range:
Black Phoebe Breeding Season Timing
| Location | Breeding Season |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | May – July |
| Washington | April – July |
| California | February – June |
| Arizona | March – June |
| Texas | March – July |
Wintering Range
The winter range of the Black Phoebe roughly coincides with their breeding range, although some populations may migrate short distances. Their winter range extends from southern British Columbia south through the western United States into central Mexico.
Some details on the Black Phoebe’s winter range:
- Occurs year-round through most of breeding range
- Northern populations migrate south, but not long distances
- Winters along Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Baja California
- Also winters across Southwest from California to western Texas
- Most leave higher elevations in winter
Black Phoebes are well adapted to tolerate cold temperatures across much of their range. However, populations breeding at higher elevations in places like Colorado and Utah will migrate to lower elevations for the winter. Some coastal southern populations may also shift inland to avoid rain and stormy winter weather.
Winter Distribution
Year-Round Range
The Black Phoebe occurs year-round through a large portion of its breeding range. Populations across California, the Southwest, and south into Mexico are considered resident and occupy the same territories year-round. Some details on their year-round range:
- Resident across southwest – California, Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas
- Also resident across much of Mexico range
- Will vacate higher elevations in Rockies and Sierra Nevada
- Some seasonal shifting along coast
- Rarely occurs more than 100 miles from breeding areas
Although they may occupy the same territories, Black Phoebes exhibit some seasonal shifts in habitat use. They tend to frequent more open, drier habitats in summer while using more protected areas near water in winter. They also opportunistically wander over larger areas in winter while sticking closely to nesting areas in summer.
Year-round Distribution
Distribution Outside Breeding Range
The Black Phoebe is considered a rare vagrant outside its normal breeding and wintering range in western North America. Most records of Black Phoebes well outside their expected range represent individual wanderers or small numbers turned up during migration periods.
Some areas where Black Phoebes occasionally occur outside their normal range:
- Pacific Northwest – Rare along coast north to Alaska
- Western Canada – Rare migrant in Alberta, Saskatchewan
- Midwest – Rare migrant in states like Missouri, Illinois, Ohio
- Northeast – Very rare vagrant to states like New York, Pennsylvania
- Southeast – Accidental sightings in Florida, Carolinas
Given the Black Phoebe’s strong association with the west, most extralimital records east of the Rocky Mountains represent well-outside-the-norm wanderings by individual birds. However, there are at least a few records of Black Phoebes reaching as far east as the Atlantic Coast.
Conclusion
In summary, the Black Phoebe occupies a broad range across much of western North America. This species is found year-round across the southwest United States and down into Mexico. Their range extends north into Canada and south to Oaxaca. Black Phoebes inhabit a variety of open habitats usually near water across their range. They are highly associated with the western U.S. and only rarely occur far outside their normal range. The Black Phoebe remains a common sight along waterways and in canyons across the American West.
