Sayornis (phoebes)
The 3 phoebes in the sayornis genus are fairly easy to identify. The Eastern Phoebe frequents open woodland and park-like habitats, while the Say’s Phoebe is a bird of open western areas and the Black Phoebe prefers dry southwestern areas near a water source.
Eastern Phoebe
The Eastern Phoebe is readily identified by its almost lack of wingbars, its flycatcher bill, its faint yellow wash on belly and breast, it’s dark face and head, and especially its almost constant tail bobbing (see video below).
Says’s Phoebe
Says’s Phoebe is also a fairly easy ID. It is mostly a gray bird with a black tail. Its most distinguishing feature is the attractive salmon wash on the belly, vent and undertail coverts.
Black Phoebe
The Black Phoebe is a distinctive black & white bird, with an abrupt demarcation on the belly/breast between black and white. The upper parts are almost all black. At times it is possible to confuse the Black with the Eastern, however the Eastern has a dark face & head and a dingy, yellowish wash on the undersides, including the breast, whereas the Black has a sharp demarcation between a clean-white belly and a black breast.
To Flycatchers Overview & Feather Groups