Prey selection and the search strategy of the spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata): A field study on optimal foraging

Abstract Flycatchers switched between different foraging strategies and selected prey so as to maximize energy intake. Changes in diet were influenced by the absolute abundance of the preferred prey and not by that of the alternative prey. Adults could recognize wasps (Vespula) and bees (Bombus) and removed their stings before swallowing them. The differences between adult and nestling diet and factors influencing capture success of prey are described. The flycatchers' behaviour in leaving perches and their choice of a ‘giving-up time’ was consistent with the view that they were maximizing the number of prey they caught in a given time. I conclude that flycatchers often search for and select prey on the basis of maximizing energy intake but I give reasons for not expecting them always to do so.

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