Black Phoebe

A sleek, small songbird with a sooty black body, contrasting white belly, and a slightly crested head. Known for its sharp "chip" call and agile flight, this flycatcher is a year-round resident of the Coachella Valley, often spotted near water sources such as ponds, streams, and fountains.

Black Phoebes are highly adaptable and thrive in both urban and natural settings, using perches like fence posts, rocks, or low branches to spot insects before gracefully darting out to catch them mid-air. They build cup-shaped mud nests under overhangs, such as bridges or eaves, making them a familiar sight in areas with human activity.

In the Coachella Valley, these birds are valued for their insect control and their presence in both developed and wild landscapes. Their confident, solitary behavior and striking appearance make them a charming part of the desert's avian community.