Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), Anza Trail Clark Crossing, Santa Cruz County

This Eastern Phoebe was found and photographed by Laurens Halsey on 09 December 2011 12/9/2011. It is possibly one of the Eastern Phoebes that have been reported both north and south of this location in recent months.

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.

09 December 2011, photo by Laurens Halsey