Watercolor portrait of Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe
Migratory Open woodlands, farmlands, and suburban… Common Song

Learn to identify the Eastern Phoebe by ear. Master the "fee-bee, fee-bee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“fee-bee”

What the Eastern Phoebe sounds like

Small flycatcher (~7 inches) with plain gray-brown upperparts and an off-white belly. A slight olive wash may be present on the sides, and some individuals show a pale yellow wash on the belly in fresh fall plumage.

“fee-bee, fee-bee”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A quick, two-syllable whistle that sounds like 'fee-bee' (sometimes phonetically noted as "phoe-be"). The first note is slightly higher in pitch and the second note is raspier or more emphatic. Males repeat this song over and over, especially in the early morning of spring, to advertise territory. Often written as “fee-bee”.
Don't confuse with:The Eastern Wood-Pewee — another small flycatcher; the wood-pewee is slightly larger and has two prominent pale wingbars (which the phoebe lacks). the eastern wood-pewee's song is a whistled 'pee-a-wee' which is very different from the phoebe's 'fee-bee'. wood-pewees tend to perch higher in the canopy and do not wag their tails. visually, the lack of tail-wagging and presence of wingbars help distinguish a pewee from a phoebe.

Lessons featuring the Eastern Phoebe

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Eastern Phoebe's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Flycatchers That Say Their Names lesson habitat
Flycatchers That Say Their Names
Tier 4 · Songbirds & Sky Watch
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Where you'll hear it

Open woodlands, farmlands, and suburban areas, typically near water. Often seen around bridges, barns, and other human structures.

Most active during daylight, frequently seen perched on low branches, fence posts, or wires, making short flights to catch insects.

Similar species

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Another small flycatcher; the wood-pewee is slightly larger and has two prominent pale wingbars (which the Phoebe lacks). The Eastern Wood-Pewee's song is a whistled 'pee-a-wee' which is very different from the Phoebe's 'fee-bee'. Wood-pewees tend to perch higher in the canopy and do not wag their tails. Visually, the lack of tail-wagging and presence of wingbars help distinguish a pewee from a Phoebe.

Least Flycatcher (Empidonax)

Empidonax flycatchers like the Least Flycatcher are smaller and more compact. They usually have a bold white eye-ring and distinct wingbars, unlike the plain-faced Phoebe. Least Flycatcher's call is a sharp 'che-beck' and it doesn't repeat a 'fee-bee' song. Empidonax flycatchers also flick their wings, but they do not habitually pump their tails up and down.

Eastern Phoebe song FAQ

What does an Eastern Phoebe sound like?
A quick, two-syllable whistle that sounds like 'fee-bee' (sometimes phonetically noted as "phoe-be"). The first note is slightly higher in pitch and the second note is raspier or more emphatic. Males repeat this song over and over, especially in the early morning of spring, to advertise territory. Listen for the "fee-bee, fee-bee" phrase.
How do I tell an Eastern Phoebe from a Eastern Wood-Pewee by sound?
Eastern Wood-Pewee: Another small flycatcher; the wood-pewee is slightly larger and has two prominent pale wingbars (which the Phoebe lacks). The Eastern Wood-Pewee's song is a whistled 'pee-a-wee' which is very different from the Phoebe's 'fee-bee'. Wood-pewees tend to perch higher in the canopy and do not wag their tails. Visually, the lack of tail-wagging and presence of wingbars help distinguish a pewee from a Phoebe.; Eastern Wood-Pewees also have a less contrasting head (no dark head versus pale chest as in Phoebe) and a thinner all-gray bill (Phoebe's lower mandible can show some pale color, though usually dark). Range overlaps broadly in summer, but behavior and voice make identification possible..
When is the best time to hear an Eastern Phoebe?
Most active during daylight, frequently seen perched on low branches, fence posts, or wires, making short flights to catch insects.