Mockingbirds are a familiar presence in many backyards, recognized for their impressive ability to mimic a variety of sounds, from other bird calls to car alarms. Their varied vocalizations often prompt questions about their diet, especially regarding common bird feeder offerings. Understanding their natural foraging habits clarifies what foods truly support these adaptable birds.
Mockingbird Dietary Preferences
Mockingbirds are omnivores, meaning their diet includes both animal and plant matter. While flexible eaters, sunflower seeds are generally not a primary or preferred food source. They may occasionally investigate seeds, especially when other food is scarce, but they do not rely on them. The hard shells of many sunflower seeds are also challenging to open, making them less appealing.
Their natural diet primarily consists of insects and fruits. During warmer months, up to 85% of their diet can be insects and arthropods like beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, and wasps. This high-protein intake supports their energy needs, especially during breeding season. As insects become less abundant, mockingbirds shift their diet to focus more on berries and other wild fruits.
In fall and winter, plant-based foods, including various berries, become a more significant part of their diet. They also consume nectar and sometimes tree sap. While seeds can be a minor component, around 15% of their winter diet, they are not a primary food source. This dietary flexibility allows mockingbirds to thrive in diverse environments, from forests to suburban gardens.
Attracting Mockingbirds to Your Yard
To encourage mockingbirds to visit your yard, provide foods that align with their natural diet. Offering a variety of fruits is an effective way to attract them. Place cut-up pieces of apples, grapes, oranges, or water-soaked raisins and currants on a platform feeder, as these birds prefer flat surfaces over hanging feeders.
Berry-producing plants are also effective for attracting mockingbirds, as berries are a significant part of their diet, especially in colder months. Plant native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs like serviceberry, dogwood, elderberry, blackberry, juniper, or holly. These plants provide both food and natural cover. Offering suet, particularly during winter, can provide fats for mockingbirds, and they may also be attracted to live or dried mealworms. Providing a fresh water source, such as a birdbath, can also make your yard more appealing.