Description
The Black Phoebe is a medium-sized flycatcher, being 16 centimeters (6.3 in) in length and weighing 15 to 22 grams (0.5 to 0.8 oz). It has predominately black plumage, with white on its belly and undertail coverts. The white forms an inverted 'V' in the lower breast. The sexes are identical, and plumage does not vary seasonally. Juveniles have browner plumage, cinnamon-brown feather tips on their body, and brown wing-bars. The bird has brown irises, and black legs, feet, and beak.
The phoebe can be recognized by a characteristic 'tail-wagging' motion, in which the tail is lowered and fanned, then slowely . It accomplishes almost all locomotion by flight, which is direct, with steady wing beats. Its song consists of two alternating phrases (tee-hee, tee-ho or sisee, sitsew). The song can be heard from both sexes, but is more commonly sung by males.
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