An enviroment where a bird-like creature can survive on passive feeding

The question about a diet of dust brought up a few creatures that survive on dust, however they were all insect-sized or smaller. This got me thinking about the Blue Whale, which survives on a diet of Krill.

I'm looking to create something that survives on nutrients and minerals in the air that is roughly like a bird; i.e. has wings, similar size, hollow bones. I believe that it is impossible for such a creature to survive in an earth-like environment simply by feeding on nutrients and other dust-like particles (such as pollen or minerals' dust) that either float through the air or settle on the land. (Please do tell me if I'm wrong)

I'm looking to find what environmental conditions are required for such a creature to survive. Answers should ideally consider:

• diet breakdown
• energy requirements of the creature
• where the particles come from

posted about 10 years ago

Mourdos‭

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