Documentation of Black Phoebe
2013-303

Observer Information

Reporter:  Todd Myers   
E-mail: 
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

Comments: I took one clear photo of the phoebe. Let me know if you want a copy of it.
Time: 3:30 pm
Elevation: 7500 to 8000?
Other Dates: none
Nearest Town: Ft. Lewis
Independent Observers: Yes, Todd Myers

Materials Available





No files uploaded.

Date Documentation Submitted

4/29/2013 2:08:00 PM