*Oology is a branch of ornithology studying bird eggs, nests and breeding behaviour. The word is derived from the Greek oion, meaning egg.

7. Black Phoebe

This part of the Stanislaus Audubon Website is focused on 44 common Central Valley nesting species with background about their nesting habits. Please check the Great Valley Museum Central Valley Egg Collection starting page for links to all the featured species.

BLACK PHOEBE NESTING INFORMATION (From birdsoftheworld.org)

Nests - In California, pair formation starts early–mid-Jan and continues through late February with nest building starting in mid-March. The nest is cemented with mud to vertical wall of site, 1–3 m off ground. Common to all nest sites are (1) ceiling that protects nest from weather and may provide concealment, (2) placement near or directly over water (nests placed above ground tend to be situated higher than those over water), (3) placement close to source of mud for construction materials, (4) area surrounding site suitable for foraging.
Eggs - Ovate to short ovate, ground color pure white and moderately glossy, immaculate to lightly spotted around large end. Presence of spots varies significantly with position of egg in laying sequence; last egg spotted more frequently and intensely than other eggs in clutch. Clutch size 3 to 5.
Incubation - 15 to 18 days, primarily by female.
Fledging - Hatchlings altricial, eyes closed. Fledging at 18-20 days.

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