Devoted phoebes care for their newborn babies in the nest

Phoebe birds, specifically Eastern Phoebes, are known for their unique parenting behaviors. When the chicks are newly hatched, the parents work tirelessly to ensure their young are well-fed and cared for.
Both the male and female phoebe make numerous trips throughout the day to gather food. They primarily feed their young insects, which they catch on the wing.
The adult phoebe lands on the edge of the nest and carefully places the food directly into the open mouths of the chicks. The chicks hear the parents flying in and they have their mouths wide open, eagerly awaiting food. Phoebe parents take turns feeding, ensuring that all chicks receive adequate nutrition. This coordinated effort helps distribute the workload and maintain a consistent food supply.
While the mother sits on the nest to keep the chicks warm, the father brings her a dragonfly. As he gives it to his partner, it appears that this is a meal for her. Unselfishly, she quickly stands up and feeds the food to her babies.
The diet mainly consists of insects such as flies, beetles, and grasshoppers. As the chicks grow, the parents may also include other small invertebrates.
Besides feeding, the parents also keep the nest clean. They remove fecal sacs produced by the chicks to maintain a hygienic environment, which helps prevent the spread of disease. The mother can be seen removing droppings as quickly as they are produced.
This will continue for two weeks until the chicks are fledged and ready to fly from the nest. These phoebes have chosen a log under an overhanging roof of a cottage in Ontario to raise their four chicks.