What is the defining feeding strategy of Family Tyrannidae members like T. verticalis?
Answer
Aerial hawking, sallying out from a perch to catch flying insects mid-air
The Family Tyrannidae, or Tyrant Flycatchers, is primarily defined by its unique feeding behavior known as aerial hawking. This involves the bird launching itself from an exposed perch, sallying out into the air to intercept flying insects, and then typically returning to the same or a nearby perch to consume the prey. This behavior is central to the life history of species within this family, including the Western Kingbird.
Related Questions
Which Kingdom does the Western Kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis, belong to?What characteristic defines the Phylum Chordata for Tyrannus verticalis?What features define the Class Aves for the Western Kingbird?What specialized foot adaptation is characteristic of Order Passeriformes?What is the defining feeding strategy of Family Tyrannidae members like T. verticalis?What Latin word gives the Genus Tyrannus its name reference?What feature inspired the species epithet verticalis for Tyrannus verticalis?How does the tail appearance distinguish Tyrannus verticalis from T. vociferans?Where is the Family Tyrannidae geographically restricted?Besides the pale tail edging, what other identifiers separate T. verticalis?