FIRST REPORT OF INTENTIONAL SEED-EATING BY BLACK PHOEBES

Abstract

The Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) occurs year-round through most of its range in California and commonly breeds from March through June. Typically, it feeds almost exclusively on insects. While this may generally be true, I describe here repeated observations of Black Phoebes intentionally consuming seeds from a backyard bird feeder near Sacramento, California.