Eastern Phoebe

1999
Phoebes often nest in outbuildings if they are allowed access through a broken window or open door. A pair of phoebes nested in our rear barn in 1998, in the midst of the tremendous activity of the barn swallow colony. The phoebes began nesting well before the swallows - their nest with 5 eggs was discovered in late April and the young fledged May 25th. The pair always entered the barn through a small broken window on the west side and nested within 10 feet of the window. However, there were two active swallow nests between their nest and the window. The swallows used entrances on all three sides of the room, but most of their activity was on the east and north sides, away from the phoebes. Unlike the swallows, who fly directly to their nests, the phoebe always perched on the window mutten for as long as 3 or 4 minutes before flying to the nest. They also often stopped on the window for a minute or so on their way out. During this time, a swallow would occasionally dart through the small (8x10") window, grazing the phoebe with its wings. Last year was the first time I noticed a phoebe nest in the colony room. They usually nest in the crib or wagon shed. It will be interesting to see if they choose to nest with the unruly swallows next year or return to a more private location.

PHOTO - The nest location - PHOTO - Young in the nest - PHOTO - Adult waiting at window

2010 update A phoebe pair has nested in the swallow room almost every year since 1998, seeming to not mind the swallow activity at all. This year, their nest is directly in front of the main entrance used by the swallows. As usual, they built their hair and feather lined nest and covered the exterior with green moss. The moss was likely effective camouflage when phoebes nested under rock ledges, but perhaps not since they have adapted to human habitation. However, the mammalian predators that frequent the swallow room (except for me) don't have trichromatic color vision. Luckily, there was only one instance of a kestrel entering the swallow room several years ago. Videotape was recorded for several hours during the nesting period and the five nestlings all fledged in fine condition.

photo presenting fecal sac - photo gaping nestlings - photo female incubating

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