Corn is a widely cultivated and globally significant crop. Its widespread cultivation makes it a prevalent and sought-after dietary component for many animal species.
Mammals Attracted to Corn
Numerous mammalian species are drawn to corn, consuming it through various means. White-tailed deer frequently feed on corn, especially when it is readily available in agricultural fields or through supplemental feeding. While corn provides a high-energy source for deer, excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues due to its high starch content. Raccoons are also common visitors to cornfields, known for their opportunistic feeding habits and their ability to skillfully shuck corn ears to access the kernels. These nocturnal foragers often raid fields.
Squirrels are highly attracted to corn, readily consuming kernels from cobs or scattered grains. Although corn is a favored food, it lacks the complete nutritional profile squirrels require, making it more of a treat than a dietary staple. Mice and rats also feed on corn from its availability in storage or fields. Wild boars and feral pigs can cause significant damage to corn crops by digging up plants and consuming kernels and stalks. These animals exploit corn as a calorie-dense food source.
Birds Attracted to Corn
Many avian species readily consume corn, making it a common sight in their diets. Ground-feeding birds like doves forage for cracked corn. Wild turkeys, pheasants, and quail also eat corn, often found in fields or at feeding stations.
Larger birds, such as crows and jays, can easily digest whole corn kernels. They often visit corn offerings. Sparrows and starlings also include corn in their diet. Blackbirds and grackles are attracted to corn, often seen in large flocks in cornfields.
Insects and Other Small Creatures
Beyond mammals and birds, various insects and smaller organisms are drawn to corn, often interacting with the plant at different stages of its growth. The corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) is a common pest whose larvae feed on corn silks and kernels within the ear, often causing significant damage to the tip. These caterpillars can vary in color and typically burrow into the ear to feed on developing kernels.
The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) is another notable insect that damages corn by tunneling into the stalks, leaves, and ears. Its larvae chew through plant tissues, which can reduce yield and weaken the plant, sometimes leading to stalk breakage. Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are known to feed on corn silks, potentially interfering with pollination if silk clipping is severe. Their larvae, known as white grubs, can also feed on corn roots, though this is less common. Slugs and snails, particularly in no-till fields with heavy residue, can cause damage to corn seedlings by feeding on leaves and stems, leaving irregular holes and slime trails.
Factors Making Corn Appealing
Corn’s appeal to a wide range of animals stems from several inherent attributes. Its high caloric content provides a substantial energy source, which is particularly beneficial for animals needing to build fat reserves or maintain high metabolic rates. Corn is rich in carbohydrates, primarily starch, which is readily digestible and provides quick energy for many species. This carbohydrate density makes it an efficient food choice in terms of energy acquisition.
The widespread availability of corn, especially in agricultural regions, contributes significantly to its attractiveness. With vast areas dedicated to corn cultivation globally, it represents a consistent and accessible food supply for wildlife, particularly during and after harvest seasons. Its palatability and ease of consumption also play a role, as many animals find the kernels easy to chew and digest. While corn offers considerable energy, its nutritional completeness varies among species, and for some, it may be consumed as a supplemental food rather than a primary dietary component.