What Insects Do Birds Eat?

Wild birds feed on a variety of insects, as well as nuts and seeds. Adult birds rely on insects to feed their young because they provide the greatest amount of protein. Loss of natural habitat results in birds searching for food in wildlife-friendly areas, which includes neighborhood gardens. You can create your own wildlife garden to attract wild birds by providing healthy foods, water and shelter.

  1. Crawling Insects

    • Ants, beetles, spiders and termites satisfy the hunger of American robins, blue-headed grosbeaks, blue jays, chickadees, downy woodpeckers, eastern bluebirds, grackles, hummingbirds, indigo buntings, juncos, northern cardinals, orchard orioles, red-winged blackbirds, yellow-bellied sapsuckers and sparrows.

    Flying Insects

    • Bees, cicadas, flies, mosquitoes and wasps make up the meals for American robins, black-headed grosbeaks, downy woodpeckers, grackles, hummingbirds, indigo buntings, purple martins and sparrows.

    Jumping Insects

    • Grasshoppers are staples on the menu of American robins, black-headed grosbeaks, chirping sparrows, grackles, indigo buntings, juncos, northern cardinals, orchard orioles and red-winged blackbirds.

    Worms and Caterpillars

    • At the beginning of spring, caterpillars, moth larvae, cutworms and earthworms show up on the "plates" of American robins, American woodcock, blue jays, chickadees, juncos, northern cardinals, northern orioles, orchard orioles, tufted titmouse, red-winged blackbirds, sparrows and warblers. The birds dig them -- literally.

    Attracting and Feeding Wild Birds

    • A variety of bird's non-native to the U.S. stop in ordinary North American neighborhoods each year. Few people realize the number of rare and beautiful birds who visit their backyards on their migratory paths from Mexico, Central America and South America. Attracting wild birds is easy and relatively inexpensive. The homing instincts of migratory song birds are strong. Once you establish an environment they find safe and rewarding, they are likely to return every year on their migratory journey. Set up a bird house, birdbath and a bird feeder to create a welcoming environment. Fill your bird feeder with a wild bird food formula and provide cut apples, and water-soaked white or brown bread (dry bread will swell in their stomachs).