Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This Eastern Phoebe was discovered and photographed by Brendon Grice on 14 December 2010.  This was on the 2/3 path in the mesquite east of the two cottonwood trees that are along the pond 2 side almost to the canal gate.

A rare but regular winter visitor.

Note the dark cap, rounded head, pale throat, short primary projection and dark bill which help to separate Eastern Phoebe from the Wood-Pewees. The best field mark for Eastern Phoebe, not captured in a still photograph, is that it constantly dips its tail down.

14 December 2010, photo by Brendon Grice

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