Grasshoppers are a common prey item for many species of birds. Here are some of the most common birds that regularly eat grasshoppers:
Insectivorous Birds
Many small songbirds are primarily insectivores, meaning insects make up the bulk of their diet. These species readily eat grasshoppers when they are available:
- American Robins
- Bluebirds
- Chickadees
- Flycatchers
- Nuthatches
- Swallows
- Thrushes
- Warblers
- Waxwings
- Wrens
Insectivorous birds use a variety of hunting techniques to catch grasshoppers. They may pick them directly off vegetation, catch them in midair, or hunt on the ground. Their diverse feeding behaviors allow them to take advantage of grasshopper prey in many situations.
Game Birds
Upland game birds are ground-foragers that opportunistically eat insects including grasshoppers. Species such as:
- Grouse
- Partridges
- Pheasants
- Quail
- Wild turkey
These birds frequently eat grasshoppers during the summer months when the insects are active and abundant. The adult birds will catch grasshoppers to eat themselves, while the chicks rely heavily on insects like grasshoppers for protein during their early development.
Chickens
Domestic chickens kept on small farms or in backyards readily forage for grasshoppers to supplement their feed. When allowed to free-range, chickens of all types eagerly hunt, catch and eat any grasshoppers they encounter.
Birds of Prey
Many raptor species prey on grasshoppers when the opportunity arises. This includes birds like:
- Hawks
- Eagles
- Falcons
- Owls
- Vultures
Large grasshoppers and locusts may compose a small part of the diet for raptors. The birds use their keen eyesight and talons to snatch unwary grasshoppers off the ground.
Water Birds
Wading birds like herons and cranes may eat grasshoppers, especially larger species, when hunting in grasslands. Shorebirds like plovers, sandpipers and killdeer will also opportunistically snap up grasshoppers near the water’s edge.
Other Bird Groups
Many other avian groups supplement their diet with grasshoppers when they are available:
- Crows
- Grackles
- Starlings
- Sparrows
- Blackbirds
- Gulls
- Cuckoos
- Woodpeckers
- Jays
- Magpie
These omnivorous birds take advantage of seasonal outbreaks of grasshoppers and other insects to provide high-protein food for themselves and their offspring.
Factors Influencing Predation
Several factors influence how heavily different bird species prey on grasshoppers:
- Time of Year – Grasshoppers are most abundant in late summer, so predation peaks from July-September.
- Location – Grasslands and agricultural areas with outbreaks see more predation.
- Bird Diet – Insectivores prey more heavily than seed-eating birds.
- Bird Size – Larger birds eat more grasshoppers than small birds.
- Mobility – Wading and shorebirds only eat grasshoppers near water.
Understanding these factors helps predict which species are most likely to prey on grasshoppers in a given area.
Benefits to Birds
Eating grasshoppers and other insects provides important benefits to birds:
- Protein – Grasshoppers are high in protein needed for growth and reproduction.
- Energy – Insects like grasshoppers are high-calorie food sources.
- Chick Growth – Baby birds need lots of insects like grasshoppers to fuel rapid growth.
- Foraging Skills – Hunting grasshoppers develops coordination and flight skills in young birds.
- Abundant Food Source – Grasshoppers offer a readily available meal for omnivorous birds.
Grasshoppers form an important supplementary food source for many bird species worldwide.
Detrimental Effects of Predation
While birds provide valuable grasshopper control, extremely heavy predation can negatively impact some species:
- Very high bird densities can reduce grasshopper numbers below normal levels.
- Localized populations of rare grasshopper species may be severely reduced by bird predation.
- Nesting birds may suffer if grasshopper numbers are dramatically decreased.
Ecologists recommend maintaining balance between predator and prey species to prevent ecosystem disruption. Periodic grasshopper outbreaks help sustain robust bird populations.
Conclusion
Grasshoppers form a key component in the diet of many common birds. Insectivorous songbirds, game birds, chickens, raptors, water birds, and omnivorous species all supplement their diet with grasshoppers. Peak predation occurs during summer grasshopper outbreaks. While providing an important food source, excessive grasshopper predation can negatively impact delicate ecosystems. Maintaining balance between predators and prey helps support grasshopper and bird populations.