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Breeding Birds of the Platte River Valley

Say's Phoebe -- (Sayornis saya)


Nebraska Status: A common migrant and summer resident in western regions extending east locally to Clay County (Johnsgard 1980). Peak migrations occur 5 to 25 April in spring and during 8 to 20 September in fall.

Platte River Status: An uncommon migrant and nesting species in the western half of the study area. Tout (1947) reported Say's phoebe from Lincoln County only between 19 May and 14 June. Rosche (1979) found Say's phoebe in the lower North Platte River Valley during 12 April to 14 May.

Breeding Range: An uncommon and very local nesting species in the Sandhills, Western Plain and Dissected Plain; one breeding season record from the Eastern Plain (Hudson 1938b).

Breeding Population: We failed to record Say's phoebe on census plots during our extensive surveys of breeding bird populations in 1979-1980. Based on distribution data we estimate the population within our area at about 250 breeding pairs during most years.

Habitat: Most Say's phoebe observed in the study area were associated with dry native grasslands, generally near abandoned buildings that are used for nest placement. Rising (1974) reported Say's phoebe as a locally common summer resident in western Kansas nesting near rocky bluffs or abandoned buildings.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: Because of the small number of Say's phoebe occurring in the study area, we do not believe that the current level of habitat alteration has produced any impact on this species.

Nesting Data: We have four confirmed records of nests with eggs and young from the study area. Benckeser (1956) found an active nest with six eggs near Ash Hollow, Garden County, on 12 June 1956. Faanes found an active nest with five eggs on the side of an abandoned building in T. 15 N. - R. 26 W., Lincoln County on 16 June 1979. Egg dates in Kansas extend from 1 May to 20 July (Johnsgard 1979).


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