"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."
Emily Dickinson

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Flycatchers can be aerial acrobats

A black phoebe dives for worms in a dish.  Photo by J.J. Meyer
Black phoebes are a species of Tyrant Flycatchers. Typically flycatchers sit on a perch, then dart off to catch insects in the air.  But put out a plate of mealworms and often they will dive for their meal in flight, as seen in the photo.  It happens so fast, it's hard to see how they do it.  I've even witnessed a black phoebe scoop up a worm and deliver to the mouth of its young mid-flight.  Once these birds feel comfortable with your human presence, they may actually sit on the dish and feast, but they're always poised for a quick getaway.
Happy Birding!
J.J.

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