Very similar to sallying for insects like other flycatchers, Say's Phoebe is the largest phoebe, as well as the loveliest. Found in more open expanses than the typical phoebe, it will sometimes hover when foraging.
This tyrant flycatcher was named after a naturalist, Thomas Say, who first encountered it in Colorado in 1819.
Adult Say's Phoebe
Observed in western Oklahoma, even more so on the Panhandle, it is surprisingly easy to view this bird, sometimes even at close range. This phoebe will often nest at Black Mesa on cliff crevices, rocky outcroppings, and on horizontal ledges under bridges. It appears that they prefer shortgrass prairie country including sunlit canyons, open spaces near buildings, and mountain meadows of Black Mesa State Park. As long as it is dry and desolate, this passerine will be open to the location.
Males arrive first on the nesting grounds and will quickly choose territories, which are in the neighborhood of a couple of acres. The male will call for a mate and usually finds one quickly, so nesting begins soon after. Nests mays be found in or on manmade structures, or abandoned mine shafts and caves.
Ranges have been expanding over the years.
The female will locate her nest site, and she will construct her nest, while she allows the male to observe.
Juvenile Say's Phoebe
