Are wasps buzzing around your backyard, making you nervous? Good news: certain birds enjoy eating these pesky insects. In this article, we will learn about 20 common birds that eat wasps, offering a natural way to keep their numbers down.
Ready to learn which birds could become your new best pals in pest control? Keep reading!
1) European Starling
European starlings, measuring between 19-23 centimeters in length, are not picky eaters. They feast on wasps, showing a particular taste for the larvae found inside wasp nests. These birds play a crucial role in natural pest control by reducing wasp populations around your garden or home.
Their ability to consume a vast array of insects, including wasps, makes them valuable allies for anyone looking to manage pests naturally.
These adept hunters use their sharp beaks to dismantle wasp nests and extract the juicy larvae hidden within. Their feathers provide protection against stings, allowing them to dig into nests with minimal risk.
Starlings often indulge in bugs, spiders, beetles, and other small creatures that might invade your outdoor space during summer months.
2) Common Myna
The Common Myna has a knack for tracking down and gobbling up wasps with surprising ease. Weighing between 58-101 grams, these birds are fearless hunters that patrol their territories in search of stinging insects.
Their ability to consume wasps provides natural pest control, turning your garden into a safer place without the buzz and bother of unwelcome guests.
Sporting distinctive brown bodies with striking yellow beaks and eye patches, Common Mynas not only add beauty to your backyard but also engage in battle against pesky invaders like wasps.
3) Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadees may look small and cute, but they’re brave hunters that don’t shy away from wasps. These tiny birds skillfully pick wasps right out of their nests without getting harmed, thanks to their quick movements and protective feathers.
Their thick plumage acts as a shield against stings, making them effective at controlling wasp populations around your garden or yard.
These chickadees are also smart enough to target solitary wasps rather than disturbing more aggressive swarms. They contribute to natural pest control by keeping the numbers of these stinging insects in check.
4) Cassin’s Sparrow
Cassin’s Sparrow is a small bird that feeds on wasps and bees, making it an effective natural pest controller. This species has been observed preying on these stinging insects as part of its regular diet.
Cassin’s Sparrow is known for actively hunting down wasps and bees as part of its insect diet. These birds are important contributors to natural pest control by helping keep the populations of stinging insects in check, which can be beneficial for outdoor spaces and agricultural areas alike.
5) Hepatic Tanager
The hepatic tanager is a striking bird with its vibrant red plumage. These tanagers primarily feast on insects, including wasps and bees, making them an essential part of natural pest control in their habitat.
Their strong beaks are well-suited for capturing these stinging prey, contributing to the management of wasp populations in their environment. With their adept hunting skills, they play a significant role in keeping the number of these stinging insects under control.
These birds tend to reside in forested areas where they can find ample food sources like insects and fruits.
6) Black-billed Magpie
Black-billed Magpies are among the birds known to prey on wasps, adding to their diverse diet. These intelligent birds actively hunt down stinging insects, including wasps and bees, making them an important natural pest control agent.
With their robust beaks and sharp eyesight, Black-billed Magpies play a crucial role in managing the population of these pests in outdoor spaces.
These large, black-and-white birds measure around 18-24 inches in length and are easily recognizable with their long tails and striking plumage. They are adept at catching flying insects on the wing due to their agile flight patterns and quick reflexes.
In addition to wasps, Black-billed Magpies also feed on various other insects along with small mammals and carrion.
7) Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebirds are known for preying on wasps and bees, adding to the natural pest control of these stinging insects. This small-sized bird measures around 6.3-8.3 inches in length and has a gentle demeanor, making it an attractive visitor in many gardens.
Their insectivorous diet makes them efficient predators that help keep the population of wasps and bees in check. The vibrant blue plumage of males catches the eye, making Eastern Bluebirds a delightful sight for birdwatchers seeking natural solutions to pesky wasp problems.
8) Rusty Blackbird
The Rusty Blackbird is among the birds that prey on wasps and bees, contributing to natural pest control. These medium-sized blackbirds actively hunt down stinging insects as part of their diet.
They are known for feeding on bugs, making them an important predator for controlling the population of wasps in outdoor areas. With their sturdy feathers providing protection from stings, these birds play a vital role in managing the population of these insects.
Attracting Rusty Blackbirds can offer a natural solution for reducing the need for chemical pest control methods and managing the populations of wasps and bees.
9) House Wren
House Wrens are small, ranging from 4.3 to 5.1 inches in length, and can be found across North America. They are insectivores, preying on a wide variety of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders.
House Wrens have been observed catching bees and wasps while foraging for their prey. These birds build their nests in cavities or birdhouses where they lay eggs and raise their young.
Their fondness for eating insects makes them beneficial for natural pest control in gardens and yards.
10) Gray Catbird
Gray Catbirds, known for their distinct mewing calls, are proficient wasp hunters. These birds primarily feed on insects and fruit but won’t hesitate to prey on wasps when the opportunity arises.
With their sharp eyesight and agile movements, Gray Catbirds skillfully capture these stinging pests to supplement their diet with essential protein. Their ability to consume a variety of food makes them active contributors to natural pest control in outdoor spaces.
These birds are generally protected from the stings of wasps by their feathers, allowing them to hunt without undue concern. Their presence can be beneficial in managing the population of these stinging insects in various habitats.
11) Blue-winged Warbler
The Blue-winged Warbler, known for its vibrant blue and yellow plumage, belongs to the wood-warbler family. These small birds measure around 4.3 inches in length and have a wingspan of about 7.5 inches.
They primarily feed on insects during the breeding season and are particularly fond of wasps, bees, caterpillars, and other small creatures they find among tree branches. Their unique habitat includes open woodland areas with shrubby undergrowth or young trees where they can build their nests close to moist areas like marshes or ponds.
These warblers have a distinctive buzzing song that birdwatchers can recognize when visiting their preferred habitats during the spring and summer months. Their migration patterns take them from eastern North America to Central America during winter, making them an exciting sight for bird enthusiasts during these periods.
12) Common Nighthawk
Common Nighthawks are skilled hunters known for their dusk and dawn flights to capture insects, including wasps. At 21-24 centimeters in length, they use their wide mouths and long wings to snatch flying prey on the wing.
Their preference for hunting at these times means that they can be effective controls of wasp populations since these stinging insects are also active during those hours.
These birds have a unique appearance characterized by pointed wings and white patches visible during flight. They rely on their exceptional vision to detect prey in low light conditions.
13) Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird is a skilled hunter of bugs and insects, including wasps. Known for its remarkable ability to mimic the songs of other birds, this species finds its food by scouring the ground or perching on a high point to spot potential prey.
With its keen eyesight and quick reflexes, the mockingbird can catch flying insects like wasps with ease. This behavior makes them an effective natural form of pest control in outdoor spaces, contributing to the management of wasp populations without resorting to chemical methods.
While primarily feeding on fruits and berries during certain times of the year, they readily switch to hunting down insects when they are abundant. This predatory behavior not only benefits gardens and yards but also showcases their adaptability as opportunistic feeders.
14) Purple Martin
Purple martins are voracious insect-eaters, dining on a variety of flying insects including wasps and bees. These agile birds catch their prey while in flight, making them effective hunters of airborne pests like wasps.
With their aerobatic skills and keen eyesight, purple martins are skilled at catching their prey on the wing. Their impressive hunting abilities make them valuable allies for controlling the population of stinging insects in our outdoor spaces.
15) Swallows
Swallows are known for their aerial acrobatics as they swoop and dive to catch flying insects. These agile birds have a strong preference for consuming bugs in mid-air but will also take advantage of the opportunity to feed on wasps when available.
Swallows play a crucial role in natural pest control, making them valuable allies for managing the population of stinging insects in outdoor spaces without the need of chemical pest control methods.
16) Cardinals
Cardinals are among the birds that eat wasps, contributing to natural pest control. These vibrant birds consume a variety of insects, including wasps and bees, as part of their diet.
Their presence in the garden can help keep the population of these stinging insects in check.
One interesting fact about cardinals is that they are primarily seed-eaters; however, during the breeding season, they switch to a more diverse diet that includes insects such as wasps.
17) Honeyeaters
Honeyeaters, including the Eastern Spinebill and the New Holland Honeyeater, are skilled hunters that feast on wasps. With their slender bills and agile movements, these birds can deftly catch wasps in mid-air.
Their diet also includes nectar from flowers as well as fruit, making them valuable pollinators in addition to effective pest controllers. These fascinating creatures play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling the population of stinging insects.
18) Kingbirds
Kingbirds are impressive wasp hunters, known for their fearless attitude when it comes to catching these stinging insects. With lightning-fast reflexes and agile flight, kingbirds swoop in on wasps with precision.
These birds provide valuable pest control by consuming not only wasps but also a variety of other bugs. Their keen hunting skills make them an important addition to any ecosystem seeking more than just natural insect control.
19) Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are skilled hunters of insects, including wasps. These birds use their strong bills to drill into the bark of trees in search of their prey. Once they locate a wasp nest, woodpeckers can be quite persistent in accessing the larvae and pupae hidden inside.
Their unique anatomy allows them to brace themselves against tree trunks, while using rapid pecking motions to uncover their insect meals.
Woodpeckers play a significant role in managing wasp populations by actively foraging for these stinging insects.
20) Bee-eaters
Bee-eaters are vibrant, colorful birds known for their aerial acrobatics in catching insects. With long, sharp bills and striking plumage, these birds eagerly prey on bees and wasps.
They swiftly capture their prey mid-flight before returning to a perch to consume it. Bee-eaters play a vital role in maintaining the balance of insect populations through their natural predation on stinging insects like wasps and bees.
How do Birds Catch Wasps?
Birds can catch wasps using a variety of techniques:
- Aerial hunting: Many bird species, such as swallows, flycatchers, and bee-eaters, are skilled at catching insects on the wing. They will spot a wasp in flight and pursue it, snapping it up in their beaks.
- Gleaning: Some birds, like warblers and chickadees, will pluck wasps from foliage, bark, or other surfaces where the wasps are resting or feeding.
- Hawking: Birds like kingbirds and phoebes will perch and scan for flying insects, then sally forth and capture them in mid-air when a wasp or other prey item flies by.
- Ground foraging: Birds that feed on the ground, such as thrushes and robins, may spot and eat wasps that are on the ground or low vegetation.
- Nest raiding: Some birds, notably woodpeckers and nuthatches, will raid wasp nests to eat the larvae and pupae inside.
Birds have excellent eyesight and agility in flight, which helps them target and catch the fast-moving wasps. Their quick reflexes and ability to rapidly open and close their beaks allow them to snatch the wasps without getting stung. Some birds may also use their feet to capture and crush wasps before eating them.
Why do Birds eat Wasps?
Birds eat wasps primarily for the following reasons:
- Nutritional value: Wasps are a good source of protein, fats, and other nutrients that birds require, especially during the energy-demanding breeding season when they need to feed themselves and their young. The larval and pupal stages of wasps found in nests are particularly nutritious.
- Availability: Wasps are abundantly available during the warmer months when other prey may be scarce. Their nests and flying activities make them easy targets for insectivorous birds.
- Limited competition: Due to the stinging ability of wasps, many predators avoid them, leaving birds as one of the few groups that can effectively prey on these insects without much competition from other animals.
- Specialized adaptations: Some bird species, like bee-eaters and kingbirds, have evolved specialized behaviors and adaptations to exploit wasps as a food source effectively. This includes agile flight maneuvers, quick reflexes, and the ability to avoid or withstand stings.
- Nest material: Some bird species, such as the Oriental dwarf kingfisher, incorporate the papery material from wasp nests into their own nest construction, providing insulation and structural support.
While wasps can be a risky prey due to their ability to sting, birds have developed strategies to avoid being stung, such as catching the wasps in mid-air or targeting their nests when the adults are away. Overall, the nutritional benefits and availability of wasps make them an attractive food source for many bird species.