What characteristic foraging technique do Whinchats often employ?
Darting out from a perch to catch prey and returning (sally-and-return).
The feeding strategy employed by the Whinchat is perfectly adapted to the open habitats they occupy, reflecting their primary role as insectivores. They utilize a distinctive hunting maneuver known as the 'sally-and-return' technique. This involves launching rapidly from an elevated perch, such as a low bush or fence post, to intercept aerial insects or invertebrates captured near the ground. Once the prey is secured, the bird immediately returns to its original vantage point or a nearby one to consume the catch or scan for the next opportunity. This efficient hunting style relies heavily on having clear lines of sight, reinforcing the requirement for open country rather than cluttered, dense environments. While primarily insectivorous, this strategy is supplemented in autumn by consuming small berries when insect availability decreases.
