Eastern Phoebe    Sayornis phoebe

Conservation Status

General Status in Canada : Secure

COSEWIC Status : Not assessed

Breeding Bird Surveys indicate North American populations have changed little between 1966 and 2007 and numbers are thought to be relatively stable. Eastern Phoebes are tolerant of human activity, often constructing their nests on occupied buildings, which subsequently may be removed by people due to perceived health or cleanliness concerns. The use of human-made structures for nesting has resulted in an expansion of the breeding range from historical times. Increased urbanization and the conversion of abandoned farmsteads to mechanized agricultural lands have reduced the amount of suitable nesting sites locally. In some areas, Eastern Phoebes will readily use artificial nesting platforms placed in culverts or other structures with overhangs. Nests of Eastern Phoebes are frequently parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater). In some areas, nearly a quarter of all nests are affected.

Reference(s)

Weeks Jr., H. P. 1994. Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), The Birds of North America Online, . A. Poole, Ed. Ithaca: Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology; Retrieved from The Birds of North America Online database: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/094