In forested areas large flycatchers may specialize in larger insects, medium size flycatchers may take slightly smaller prey, and small flycatchers may zero in on the smallest insects. Such feeding stratification reduces competition and lets several species use the same area. Also, different species prefer subtly different habitats, with varying amounts and densities of undergrowth and degrees of canopy shading. When foraging, a flycatcher sits upright on a perch, scanning its surroundings while waiting for an insect to approach. The bird darts out in swift, maneuverable flight, snatches an insect out of the air with its beak, and eats it on the spot or returns to the perch to eat the meal.
Several adaptations help a flycatcher catch insects.
The bill is flat and wide, suggesting somewhat the bills of swallows and nightjars, although not nearly so compressed or gaping. Keen eyesight lets a flycatcher spot insects and judge distances accurately. In addition to catching insects on the wing, flycatchers sometimes hover near foliage and pick off insects and spiders clinging to the vegetation. Some species land and catch prey on the ground. Most of our flycatchers occasionally eat berries and seeds.