What foraging strategy of the Whinchat can seem divergent from some true flycatchers in Family Muscicapidae?
Answer
Perching on low stalks or posts rather than hawking insects mid-air
While the Whinchat is placed within the Family Muscicapidae, which consists generally of Old World flycatchers often associated with capturing insects in flight (hawking), the Whinchat exhibits a slightly different pattern. It frequently favors perching on low substrates, such as stalks or small posts found in scrubland, and takes insects either from the ground or surrounding vegetation, rather than exclusively performing mid-air sallies characteristic of some of its relatives. This adaptation aligns with its preference for drier, open habitats, showcasing how specific species behavior can diverge within a shared family grouping.
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