Most birds consume a surprising variety of food, switching feeding strategies depending on what foods are available. We will look at 14 different strategies used frequently by the familiar species at Grand Harbor. This month we will look at birds other than the water birds.
PERCH GLEANING—Searching for prey while perched in a tree or shrub without flying from the searching position for insects, spiders, mites or ticks. Examples: Grackels, Palm Warblers, Blue Jays
SWEEPING—Search for insects in the air and capturing them in flight with a wide-open mouth. Examples: Purple Martin, Palm Warbler
CHISELING—Pounding on a tree trunk creating a cavity and exposing prey such as insects, making them come to the surface. Examples: Woodpeckers
PROBING—Reaching into tree bark, soil or mud with the beak in search of prey. Examples: Mockingbird, Wood Thrush, Cardinal, Painted Bunting, Limpkin
POUNCING—Flying to the ground to capture prey. Examples: Loggerhead Shrike, Owls, Hawks, Bald Eagle
SCAVENGING—Consuming dead animal matter, usually searching from the air and then feeding on the ground. Examples: Turkey Vultures
PLUCKING—Removing fruit or seed from vegetation. Examples: Mockingbird, Wood Thrush
