Gleaning (birds)

Gleaning, or gleaning insects, is a common feeding strategy for some groups of birds, including most flycatchers. This behaviour can be contrasted with hawking. Many species of birds make use of both strategies depending on the availability of different types of prey.

Gleaning is the catching of insects and other invertebrates by plucking them from within foliage, or sometimes from the ground. It may also be applied to where prey is picked off, or from within, natural and man-made surfaces such as rock faces and under the eaves of houses.