• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

Black Phoebe

(Sayornis nigricans)
 
Black Phoebe
A Black Phoebe at Rob Hill Campground.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Natural History: The Black Phoebe eats insects, then regurgitates pellets. It takes cover in riparian vegetation, nesting in cliffs, buildings, bridges, and other shelters near water. It constructs its nests out of mud and plants. Nesting season is from March to August.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found around streams, springs, ponds, willow forests, ornamentals, buildings, and on telephone poles. It breeds within the Presidio grounds.

Frequency: This species is common all year.

Identifying Characteristics: The Black Phoebe has a black head, breast, and upper portion, and a contrasting white belly. It has a tendency to wag its tail and a distinct song of a strident fi-bee (rise), fi-bee (fall).

Presidio Birds main page

Did You Know?

Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States

While visiting the Presidio in August 1923, General Pershing learned that President Warren Harding had died at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.  It was Pershing's duty to accompany the body of the late President back to Washington D.C