This species appears more slender and longer-tailed than Eastern Phoebe and a bit bulkier than Black Phoebe. Overall pattern suggestive of a small dull American Robin; the upperparts, head, and breast are pale brownish-gray, lighter on the throat and breast. The tail is blackish with a white outer web on the outermost tail feathers. The belly and undertail coverts are cinnamon, as are the coverts on the underside of the wing, visible in flight. Juveniles are similar to adults, with cinnamon wing bars.

Length: 18 (cm) Wingspan: 30 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a series of whistled phrases: pidiwooo, pidiweep. Call is a descending pee-eee.

Habitat:

Open dry habitats, including tundra, sage steppe, and desert, with rocky outcrops or man-made structures for nesting.

Behavior:

Often fans tail while flicking it downward, slowly returning it to original position. Frequently nests in abandoned buildings and other man-made structures.

Feeding:

Feeds primarily on insects caught on or near the ground.