Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricans
This Black Phoebe was photographed by Robert Shantz at Luna Lake, Apache County, Arizona.
Black Phoebes are common birds in the Sonoran Desert but rarely venture far from open water. They are flycatchers, relying almost exclusively on flying insects for food. Midges (small mosquito-like flies in the Chironomidae) are a frequent target. They are common in cities and agricultural districts, often hunting along irrigation ditches. Their nests are affixed to narrow ledges on cliff faces or bridge abutments, again usually close to open water.