18 June 2009

Eastern Kingbird

The Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus is a flycatcher, which means it sits on branches, spots a passing bug, flies after the bug, and returns to its perch. This is called "hawking", and it's something a photographer can exploit.

Note the bit of hook to the bill-tip; this goes with a habit of eating insects, and is also seen in vireos.
Of course, the hawking flight (presuming agile insects) can be quite spectacular and sometimes vertical, so that's the next photographic challenge.

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