The phoebe (Sayomis) is a genus of birds of the family Tyrannidae. The name is derived from the two-noted song of the eastern phoebe, Sayomis phoebe. It is about 18 centimetres long, with a blackish head, dark olive-brown back, and greyish to yellowish-white under parts. A hardy species, it is among the first birds to return to America in the spring. There are two western American species. Say's phoebe, Sayomis saya, breeds from Alaska to northern Mexico and winters from the south-western USA. to southern Mexico. It is about 20 centimetres long, and is coloured somewhat like a pale American robin. The widest-ranging is the aptly named black phoebe, Sayomis nigricans, which breeds from California to Argentina. Most phoebes adapt well to human presence, often nesting in farm buildings and under bridges. Research Phoebe
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Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Nature
Research Phoebe
