| Bug Zapper |
 |
 |
 |
 A Little Bit MoreMany of the 37 different flycatchers are so similar in appearance that most people are unable to distinguish them on sight – even in the hand they can be difficult! However, some of the species most similar in appearance, do have different vocalizations or behavioral differences/habitat preferences that help to distinguish them. Most flycatchers have well-developed rictal (RICK-tal) bristles – the hair-like feathers at the base of the bill. Since it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to see clearly what is going on as a flycatcher catches its aerial prey, it’s only a well-educated guess that these feathers really do help flycatchers catch their quarry. It seems reasonable, however, that the bristles help to enlarge the mouth’s effective in scooping insects out of the air. Flycatchers feed mostly on flies but do catch and eat bees, wasps, flying ants, grasshoppers and beetles too. When large insects are captured, they often will beat the prey (tenderize?) on a perch before downing the item. Since bees and wasps are on the diet of some flycatchers, this behavior may also help to eliminate the possibility of being stung. ActivitiesScience – What’s the Difference?Objectives: Good research exercise Materials: Access to field guide or internet With 37 different kinds of flycatchers in North America (north of Mexico), each area of the continent has a variety that nest there. As the “A Little Bit More” points out, they are often quite similar and difficult to distinguish. Have students use a field guide or go online to find out which species are found in their area. Once they know these species, see if they can determine the differences between the different kinds. They should be looking for habitat preferences, songs, food preferences, size differences, or any other characteristics that differentiates these birds. Although students will find differences among the flycatchers, they will also discover that these birds are very similar too. Adaptations for catching food on the wing mean these birds have some very similar physical characteristics too. Related WebsitesDownload this Poster |