Silent Night
Posted by Laura Bloomfield on March 20, 2006
Q: Hello,
Today I saw a shrike hovering (unsure if loggerhead or northern). I was under the impression that only birds of prey could hover. Do a lot of passerines hover as well?
Habitat: field/meadow
State: Washington
Habitat: field/meadow
A: At this time of year, you're most likely to have seen a Northern Shrike in your area but a Loggerhead is always possible. Actually, many birds can hover, not just raptors. I've seen many warblers hovering as they snatch an insect from a branch tip,chickadees and kinglets too, will often hover. Many of the passerines can and do hover at times. Obviously, some are more adept at this than others but don't be surprised when you see it. Thanks for your question.
John Wiessinger ( March 21, 2006)