Image via Macaulay Library
Say's Phoebe
- Scientific name
- Sayornis saya
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya) was first formally described by Charles Lucien Bonaparte in 1825, following the expedition led by Major Stephen Harriman Long to the Rocky Mountains. The species was named in honor of the naturalist Thomas Say, a pivotal figure in American entomology and zoology who served as the expedition's primary natural historian and who first observed the bird near the Arkansas River.
The bird is characterized by its muted, earthy plumage, which helps it blend into the arid landscapes of western North America. Its design—featuring pointed wings and a slightly notched tail—is a functional adaptation for its role as a flycatcher, allowing for the agile, darting maneuvers required to capture insects in mid-air. Ornithologists have long noted the species' quiet, stoic presence, a contrast to the more brightly colored passerines found in the same territories.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Say's Phoebe
Say's Phoebe is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Say's Phoebe on collecto.rs?
Say's Phoebe doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Say's Phoebe?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Say's Phoebe catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Say's Phoebe is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
