Birds do eat cicadas. Cicadas are a common food source for many bird species. They are particularly favored by larger birds such as raptors, herons, gulls, cuckoos, bee-eaters, and rollers. These birds have the size and strength to capture and consume the relatively large cicadas.
Smaller passerine birds are also known to eat cicadas. Passerines are the group of birds that includes perching birds, such as sparrows, finches, warblers, and thrushes. While cicadas may be a bit large for some passerines, certain species have adaptations that allow them to consume these insects. They may break the cicadas apart or swallow them whole.
I have personally observed birds feeding on cicadas during the emergence of these insects. In areas where cicadas are abundant, it is not uncommon to see birds actively searching for and capturing them. It is fascinating to watch the birds snatch the cicadas out of the air or pluck them from leaves and branches.
Birds have different foraging strategies when it comes to feeding on cicadas. Some birds, like raptors, may catch cicadas mid-flight, using their sharp talons to grab them out of the air. Others, such as herons and gulls, may wade in water to catch cicadas that are near the surface or flying low over the water.
Cicadas provide a nutritious food source for birds. They are rich in protein and energy, which is essential for birds’ survival and reproduction. During the peak of the cicada emergence, bird populations may increase in areas where these insects are abundant, as the birds take advantage of this plentiful food source.
It is worth noting that cicadas are not the exclusive food source for birds. Birds have diverse diets and feed on a variety of insects, fruits, seeds, and even other animals. However, during periods of cicada emergence, birds may focus more heavily on consuming these insects due to their abundance and nutritional value.
Birds do eat cicadas. They are an important food source for many bird species, including raptors, herons, gulls, cuckoos, bee-eaters, rollers, and even some small passerines. The abundance of cicadas during their emergence provides a valuable and nutritious food resource for birds, contributing to their survival and reproductive success.