The eastern phoebe is a rather dull phoebe found in the east and across central Canada. It frequently nests under eaves, bridges, or other overhangs on human-made structures. The eastern phoebe is most easily separated from other dull flycatchers by its characteristic habit of dipping its tail in a circular motion. Monotypic. Length 4.5".

The eastern is brownish gray above; darkest on head, wings, and tail. Its underparts are mostly white, with pale olive wash on sides and breast. Fresh fall adult easterns are washed with yellow, especially on the belly. Molt occurs on the breeding grounds. Juvenile: plumage is briefly held and similar to the adult’s but browner, with 2 cinnamon wing bars and cinnamon tips to the feathers on