Black Phoebe

The Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a passerine bird in the tyrant-flycatcher family. It breeds from southwest Oregon and California south through Central and South America. It occurs year-round throughout most of its range and migrates less than the other birds in its genus, though its northern populations are partially migratory. There are six subspecies generally accepted, while the white-winged phoebe has two subspecies that are occasionally mixed.

A medium-sized flycatcher, the black phoebe measures 16 cm in length and weighs 15 to 22 g. Its main color is black, but it also has white under tail coverts and a white belly. The bottom breast's white creates an inverted "V" shape. The plumage does not differ seasonally and the sexes are identical. With cinnamon-brown feather tips on their body and brown wing bars, juveniles have browner plumage. The bird's legs, feet, and beak are all black, while its eyes are brown.