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Platte River Status: An uncommon migrant and local nesting species. Apparently a rare fall migrant (27 September 1983; 9 November 1984) at the Mormon Island Crane Meadows, Hall County. Tout (1947) reported this species in Lincoln County during 6 May to 28 September. Occurrence dates in the lower North Platte River Valley extend from 28 March to 21 August (Rosche 1979). Short (1961) found eastern phoebe along the Platte River west to Sutherland, Lincoln County.

Breeding Range: Restricted during the nesting season to the Platte River Valley and Eastern Plain, where an uncommon and local nesting species.

Breeding Population: The population was estimated at 55 nesting pairs in 1979-1980.

Habitat: We recorded eastern phoebe only from lowland forest where the mean nesting density was 0.2 pairs per km². The presence of this species in lowland forest probably reflects individuals nesting beneath adjacent highway bridges. Faanes and Andrew (1983) found eastern phoebe associated with river systems in northeastern North Dakota where they nested beneath highway bridges, and in more traditional sites beneath overturned tree roots along streambanks. Faanes (1980) and others have demonstrated the importance of highway bridges for nest placement among eastern phoebes.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: Eastern phoebe has benefited from the establishment of highway bridges crossing streams within the study area, which provide numerous potential sites for nest placement.

Nesting Data: The nest described by Tout (1947) from near Brady, Lincoln County in 1940, and the Lincoln County nest found by Faanes on 3 June 1979, are the only confirmed nest records we have from the study area. Egg dates in Kansas range from 21 March to 20 July (Johnsgard 1979).