Birds absolutely consume cicadas, especially during the massive, synchronized emergence events that occur periodically. These insects represent a sudden, temporary resource pulse that many avian species quickly exploit for a seasonal dietary boost. The sheer number of cicadas makes them an easy and abundant food source, dramatically shifting the foraging patterns of local bird populations for several weeks.
Avian Predators of Cicadas
A wide variety of avian species capitalize on the seasonal availability of cicadas, ranging from common backyard songbirds to larger raptors. Species like the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, and Blue Jay become voracious predators, snatching the slow-moving insects from tree trunks and low vegetation. Smaller birds, such as House Sparrows and warblers, also participate, temporarily shifting away from their usual diet of smaller insects and seeds.
The hunting behavior of these birds is visibly altered during an emergence, as the insects are relatively easy targets. Crows and Common Grackles are particularly effective, often collecting multiple cicadas at once before consuming them or delivering them to their nests. Raptors, including the American Kestrel and Red-tailed Hawk, also take advantage of the opportunity, catching the large insects in mid-air or plucking them from branches.
Male cicadas possess a defense mechanism known as the “fly-squawk” response, which involves a loud noise associated with escape attempts. This response is sometimes effective in deterring an attack, but motionless and silent cicadas are almost always captured. Observations showed that Red-winged Blackbirds often spent more effort consuming the quieter, less reactive female cicadas.
The Nutritional Composition of Cicadas
Cicadas are an appealing food source due to their highly concentrated nutritional profile. They are nutrient-dense packages containing a high percentage of crude protein, measuring approximately 21.4 to 21.5 grams per 100 grams of insect.
This protein content is comparable to, or slightly higher than, that found in an equivalent mass of pork or eggs. Cicadas are relatively low in crude fat, but the fat they contain includes healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The insects also provide a complete profile of essential amino acids, which supports the growth and development of nestlings.
By consuming these insects, adult birds gain the energy necessary to maintain strength during the breeding season. This nutrient boost allows them to provision their young more effectively. Studies suggest this influx of high-quality food can lead to increased nest success and improved health for chicks raised during an emergence year.
How Mass Emergence Affects Bird Predation
The defining characteristic of a periodical cicada emergence is the sheer volume of individuals that appear simultaneously, triggering the ecological principle of predator satiation. This strategy involves the insects emerging in overwhelming numbers—potentially billions per brood—that local predators, including birds, are physically unable to consume them all.
During the initial phase, birds and other animals feast relentlessly, consuming enormous quantities of the newly surfaced insects. While this predation can annihilate small, localized cicada populations, the synchronized brood ensures that a large percentage of the overall population survives to reproduce. Predators quickly become satiated, reducing the pressure on the remaining cicadas.
This temporary food source causes a significant, short-term dietary shift in local bird communities, leading many species to temporarily ignore their usual prey. The long-term impact is also notable, with some studies suggesting that species like American Crows and Blue Jays experience numerical increases in the years immediately following an emergence. This resource pulse provides a temporary boost that can affect the population dynamics of avian predators for several seasons.