The Restless Flycatcher is said to use its distinctive grinding call to attract prey.
While I’ve watched this species and heard it calling many times, until yesterday I’d never really appreciated how it uses this tactic.
As I watched this lone Restless Flycatcher in the Rise and Shine it moved between a series of low perches, each time uttering a burst of calls directed at the ground and surrounding vegetation. Numerous times it pounced to catch a small insect. It was pretty clear that the call was being used deliberately to disturb potential prey.
The bird also took a small excursion to drink in the pool that was also attracting good numbers of Yellow-tufted, White-naped and Fuscous Honeyeaters. Again, this is not a behaviour that I’ve witnessed previously from Myiagra inquieta, although I’m sure its a regular thing.
Restless Flycatcher, Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve, 31st March 2021
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