How do New World flycatchers catch insects from perches?

New World flycatchers, which belong to the family Tyrannidae, catch insects by "hawking"—a method where the bird darts out from a perch to seize prey on the wing.12

These birds are well-adapted for this behavior through several physical characteristics:

• Bill Structure: They possess broad, flattened bills that are often hooked at the tip, which helps in capturing insects.23
• Sensory Bristles: Many species have bristles at the base of the bill, which are believed to assist in the capture of prey.23
• Perching Habits: The more arboreal species have weak legs and feet, allowing them to hold themselves in an upright position while waiting on a perch to spot and pursue insects.2

While many members of the family are strictly insectivorous and rely on this aerial hunting technique, it is worth noting that some species also supplement their diet with berries, fruit, or even small vertebrates like frogs and mice.2