Toward the end of March, the peaceful, confiding Phoebe ventures
northward. Sometimes ice and snow greet the little bird, but on he goes
to take the weather as it comes. The return journey to the far south
does not begin until the first frosty nights of September tell the story
of approaching winter.
Food: At the time of the Phoebe's arrival, some of the first flying
insects are trying their wings. As the Phoebe is a flycatcher, he
may be seen, darting and wheeling about, in pursuit of his food.
The snap of his beak may be heard as some small creature is
overtaken and swallowed. Beetles, weevils, flies, grasshoppers and
other insects help to feed this bird.
Bill: The bill of the Phoebe is admirably adapted to its feeding habits.
This Quill is quite broad and strong. Upon each side are small
"bristles" which help the bird to feed while flying. How do these
"bristles" help?
Wings and Tail: The Phoebe is an expert in the air. His wings and tail
are comparatively long and powerful. Compare them with those of
the Wren. Which one of the two is the best flier? Why?
Song: While resting and while watching for insects, the Phoebe often
perches upon the end of a branch or fence post and
sings--"_pewit-phoebe-phoebe-phoebe_." At the same time, he moves
his tail with a sideway sweep, in a jerky little way. He is not
much of a singer, but when the sound, "_phoebe-phoebe_" comes to
us in March or early April, we know that Spring will soon be here.
Nest: The nest of the Phoebe is well built of mud, moss and other
materials. It is sometimes lined with wool and feathers. The
structure is placed on some flat surface, such as upon a rafter
beneath a bridge or in a barn. Occasionally the nest is built
under some sheltering bank or cliff. The eggs are usually white.
Of the Phoebe, Lowell has written:
"Phoebe is all it has to say,
In plaintive cadence o'er and o'er
Like children that have lost their way
And know their names, but nothing more."
[Illustration: _The Phoebe, a Flycatcher--7 inches_]