Will juncos eat dried mealworms?

Answered by Edward Huber

Juncos are primarily seed eaters and their diet consists of a variety of seeds including grasses, weeds, and grains. They are known to forage on the ground for their food, picking up fallen seeds and grains. While juncos do eat a wide range of food, including insects and berries, it is less likely that they will eat dried mealworms.

Mealworms are the larvae of darkling beetles and are often used as a high-protein food source for birds. They are commonly fed to insectivorous birds such as bluebirds, wrens, and warblers. However, juncos have a preference for seeds and may not be as inclined to eat dried mealworms.

In my personal experience, I have observed juncos visiting my bird feeders and primarily feeding on seeds such as sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. They are agile ground feeders and often hop around, pecking at the seeds on the ground or on low-hanging feeders. I have not seen juncos show much interest in dried mealworms or other insect-based foods.

It is worth noting that individual bird preferences can vary, and there may be instances where juncos may consume dried mealworms if they are readily available. However, based on their natural diet and feeding behavior, it is less likely that juncos will actively seek out and consume dried mealworms.

While juncos primarily feed on seeds and have a preference for a vegetarian diet, it is possible that they may eat dried mealworms if presented with them. However, it is not their typical food choice, and other bird species such as bluebirds or wrens are more likely to consume mealworms.