Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) - 02Jan2016

We get one or two of these bad boys every year in NC.  Mostly in the Pettigrew State Park to Alligator NWR areas.  When you are missing the birds of summer in the middle of winter, an Ash-throated can bring you that summer flavor.  Of course in our summers the default Myiarchus is the Great Crested Flycatcher.  If you see a Myiarchus in the winter in NC, chances are it is a Ash-throated Flycatcher.




What I love about Myiarchus flycatchers in general is their tendency to cock their heads in all kinds of positions.  This adaptation probably allows it to conserve energy by sitting still but still being able to follow the insects buzzing around for suitable prey.

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