This medium-sized flycatcher has expanded its breeding range from northern California to southwestern Oregon and continues to expand its range in Oregon.

First experiences with the species may bring to mind a Slate-colored Junco behaving like a flycatcher. The Black phoebe is dull, sooty black overall, somewhat paler on the back, with a white belly contrasting with the black breast and sides. Bill, legs, and feet are black. The phoebe dips its tail repeatedly.

Black phoebes are associated with water. Slow-flowing, idle, or slack water of large rivers, streams, and creeks, ephemeral and permanent ponds, lake shorelines, irrigation ditches, and even water tanks are used. Perch sites are needed for foraging.

The Black phoebe distribution in Oregon is expanding. It is an uncommon to common local resident in the lowands of the Rogue, Applegate, and Illinois River Valleys and tributaries generally below 2,500 feet and in the southern coast lowlands north to the Coquille River Valley and Coos Bay.

Hear the song of the Black phoebe

Photo by ©Keith Kohl, ODFW