Documentation of
Black Phoebe
2013-303
Observer Information
Reporter:
Todd Myers
Other Observers:
none; Yes, Todd Myers
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Black Phoebe
First Date/Time:
4/27/2013
Last Date/Time:
4/27/2013
Duration (total time in view):
10 - 15 minutes
County:
La Plata
Specific Location:
Shallow seepage pond adjacent La Plata River along Highway 140 south of Ft. Lewis at mile marker 16 (private property)
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
Shallow pond adjacent to river
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
10 x 50 Bauch and Lomb binoculars and Fujifilm HS20 digital camera
Distance:
20-30 feet at closest
Light:
Strong sunlight
Description of the Bird
A medium size dark perching bird with a black eye, dark bill, dark back, long tail, white belly, strong line between belly and black chest. Photo submitted.
Behaviors: Quickly moving from tree branches along side pond to pond branch (of partially submerged tree stump) and periodically doing flycatching behavior of chasing black flies and gnats.
Call: 2 note high and thin "feeh feeh"
Plumage: Adult plumage
Similar Species Discussion
Rather unmistakable. Very dark phoebe-shaped bird, very active, flycatcher behavior (perching, flying to catch bugs, perching again) and calling "feeh feeh" several times.
Resources Used
Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America (2003)
Previous Experience
Black Phoebes seen several times in California, first time seen in Colorado
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Additional Information
Materials Available
No files uploaded.
Date Documentation Submitted
4/29/2013 2:08:00 PM