Birds are important to ecosystems, with diverse diets that help maintain natural balances. Many bird species actively forage for insects, including grubs, which are the larval stage of various beetles. This natural foraging behavior helps manage insect populations and can be particularly beneficial in garden and lawn settings.
Birds That Eat Grubs
Several common bird species consume grubs, making them valuable allies in natural pest control. Robins are proficient at locating grubs and earthworms by listening and probing the soil with their beaks. They also consume white grubs.
European starlings are highly effective grub predators. These birds frequently descend upon grassy areas and use their strong jaw musculature to pry open the soil to uncover grubs. In spring, grubs and insects can make up to 90% of a starling’s diet.
Woodpeckers, such as the Northern Flicker, also consume grubs. They often probe the soil or excavate them from trees using their specialized beaks and long, barbed tongues.
Other birds that eat grubs include common grackles, foraging for grubs, especially during the breeding season when protein is needed for their young. Blue jays also eat grubs and adult scarab beetles, reducing future grub infestations. Bluebirds, blackbirds, cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, and wrens also consume grubs.
Why Grubs Are a Desirable Food Source
Grubs represent a nutritious food source for birds, offering energy for growth and reproduction. These larvae are rich in protein and fat, important during demanding periods like breeding season or cold weather. For instance, black soldier fly larvae, a type of grub, contain a minimum of 30-40% protein and 21-37.5% crude fat.
Beyond protein and fat, grubs are also an excellent source of calcium, sometimes containing up to 16 times more calcium than mealworms. This high calcium content supports strong bone development and healthy eggshell production. Their soft bodies make them easily digestible for birds.
Attracting Birds for Natural Grub Control
Encouraging grub-eating birds to visit your yard involves creating an inviting habitat. Providing a consistent source of fresh water attracts various bird species. Shallow baths that mimic puddles and are placed away from dense shrubs, which could conceal predators, are effective.
Offering suitable nesting sites is another strategy. Some birds use birdhouses, while others prefer nesting in trees or on platforms. Maintaining dead or dying trees (snags) can provide natural cavities for woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting species. Planting native shrubs and trees offers cover and nesting locations.
Finally, avoiding the use of chemical pesticides is important, as these can harm both grubs and the birds that consume them. When insects are eliminated by pesticides, birds lose a primary food source and may leave the area. A natural, diverse landscape attracts a wide range of insects, providing a continuous food supply for birds and supporting a balanced ecosystem.