The Black Phoebe, I am told, is almost always found near water sources. That figures. My recent sightings of the bird have all been right next to water.

A few times I saw them on my walk, perched on the reeds near the San Tomas Creek. I was also lucky enough to see one perched on a rock in the pond at the Japanese Friendship Garden at Kelly Park when I went there last Saturday.

The modus operandi of the Black Phoebes is simple. They launch themselves into the air from a low perch to catch flying beetles, flies or wasps. It is amazing to watch the speed with which they move, catch their ‘food’—which is also on the move—and come straight back to their favourite perch.

Their action reminded me of the Green Bee-eaters I used to watch near my parents’ house back in Kerala. They too follow a similar strategy, launching themselves into the air to catch bees, dragonflies and other insects.

But that’s where the similarity ends. Bee-eaters are so colourful, while Black Phoebes are all black and white.

I bet I’ll be seeing more of them on my walks. Right now, here are some phone-shots of these extremely energetic little flycatchers.

©️ Shail Mohan 2026