What does the Eastern Phoebe eat?

The Eastern Phoebe's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Insectivore, primarily feeding on flying insects, but also consuming some berries and small fruits, especially during migration or colder weather.

How it forages

Primarily an aerial insectivore. It perches on an exposed branch or structure, sallies out to catch flying insects (like flies, bees, wasps, beetles, moths) in mid-air, and then returns to the same or a nearby perch. It also gleans insects from foliage and occasionally eats berries.

When it feeds

Diurnal.

Explore the Eastern Phoebe