What foraging technique involves the Western Tanager catching flying insects mid-flight during feeding?
Answer
Aerial hawking
The Western Tanager employs several sophisticated techniques to secure its primary diet of arthropods. While they often glean insects directly from foliage or bark—sometimes hanging inverted like a warbler—they also engage in active pursuit of airborne prey. When they spot a flying insect, they perform swift, brief sallies or darts out into the open air to intercept and catch the prey while in flight. This specific behavior of capturing insects directly from the air is scientifically termed aerial hawking, demonstrating their agility beyond simple foliage gleaning.
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