A common bird folks ask about is the eastern phoebe. They can be identified by their unique song which is often described as a raspy sounding “phoebe, phoebe." Another way to identify them is by their ...

Figure 1: Specialized gene expression in the forebrain region of a suboscine bird is similar to vocal learners. Here, we closely examine the neural circuits and song behaviours in the suboscine ...

My first hearing of the Eastern phoebe was down the road on Route 474, right across from the town barns. The second was around the corner from my home. Finally, I heard it on my own property. Spring ...

The Greek goddess Phoebe is associated with the moon — which explains why a bird called eastern phoebe showed up in my yard after October’s full moon. OK, the moon had nothing to do with the phoebe ...

In Greek mythology, Phoebe was the goddess of brightness, the moon and intellect. So the name is a bit of a burden for a little flycatcher named eastern phoebe, which is showing up in Houston yards.

Claim to fame: Eastern phoebes are well-known to many area bird enthusiasts because of their tail-wagging mannerisms when they’re perched and their penchant for building nests under bridges and in the ...