Documentation of
Eastern Phoebe
2023-002
Observer Information
Reporter:
Linda Chittum
Other Observers:
Ada Jones
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Eastern Phoebe
First Date/Time:
10/19/2022 7:25:00 AM
Last Date/Time:
10/19/2022 1:30:00 PM
Duration (total time in view):
5-10 minutes
County:
Mesa
Specific Location:
Cheney Reservoir
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Non-breeding
Habitat
Cottonwoods, Russian Olive, flooded field in Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Swarovski 8.5 x 42 binoculars
Distance:
30 feet
Light:
Sunny
Description of the Bird
First identified by Linda Chittum and subsequently seen by Ada Jones.
* Rare. Small flycatcher. Dark cap; dorsally dark grayish and from front grayish side to breast and light yellow beneath. Pale throat. Dark bill. No eye ring noted. Fresh plumage. Frequent, almost constant, rapid tail wags sometimes in circular motion. Forgot my DSLR battery! Recorded chip calls attached
Notes are from my eBird checklist because I did not keep any detaied notes at the time other than these https://ebird.org/checklist/S120970169t
Similar Species Discussion
Really all flycatchers were initially at play. Empidonax spp. were eliminated based on size, shape, characterisic tail wags of the observed bird.
Say's Phoebe is common in the area but eliminated based on color and shape - there was no salmon/orange belly. Black Phoebe also often documented at this location but the observed bird lacked the black and white coloration of Black Phoebe.
Having extensive experience after spending 11 years living in Virginia this was promptly narrowed down to EAPH based on plumage, behavior (tail wags) and most importantly hearing the call notes repeatedly (chip calls recorded).
Resources Used
Experience - surely 100s of Eastern Phoebe observations in the east throughout all seasons.
Previous Experience
See prior. Extensive experience.
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Additional Information
Materials Available
Audio |
13093_20221019-085205-eaph_(ebird).wav![]()
Date Documentation Submitted
1/25/2023 9:00:00 AM
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Location Map
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