What structural feature is noted to contribute to the Western Kingbird's aerial agility for catching insects on the wing?
Answer
A slight overbalance toward tail length
The Western Kingbird is built for sustained aerial pursuits, characteristic of its hawking lifestyle. Its body structure, though streamlined, features a noticeably long tail relative to its overall body length. This slight overbalance toward tail length provides necessary maneuverability. When the tail is spread during braking or intricate maneuvering in the air, this length optimizes the bird's aerial agility, enabling it to effectively capture flying insects across the open country it inhabits.
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