WHAT DO BIRDS EAT?

Eating like a bird means different things to different birds. Here is a look at a few outstanding examples.

seed-eating birds

The various families of finch-like birds with classic wedge-shaped bills feed largely on seeds, but many other types of birds indulge in this energy rich food.

Large Ground-Finch Geospiza magnirostris

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fruit-eating birds

Frugivores are most diverse in the tropics where fruit is available year-round. Many polygynous birds are fruit eaters. Males of these species have bright colors to augment their courtship displays, so many brightly colored birds rely heavily on fruit for their diet. Not all of the photos here depict frugivores many omnivorous birds incorporate fruit into their diets.

Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher Ptilogonys caudatus

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nectar-eating birds

Nectar provides a rich source of energy for many small birds, though these birds must supplement their diet with other foods. Hummingbirds constitute the largest family of nectivores, with approximately 350 species, all in the New World.

Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera

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insect-eating birds

The majority of birds rely on insects for at least part of their diets. Insectivorous birds can get most of their water needs from their prey.

Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia

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worm-eating birds

A few species of birds specialize in eating worms, while many other species eat worms occasionally

American Woodcock Scolopax minor

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fish-eating birds

Birds have evolved a wide variety of adaptations for feeding on fish. Some behavioral adaptations include plunge diving, surface diving, skimming the surface, spearing, and stealing. Beak shapes are highly varied correlating with the different behavioral adaptations. Fish-eating birds tend to have rear facing hooks on their tongues and a well developed proventriculus, the anterior chamber of the stomach.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

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amphibian-eating birds

Many species of birds relish amphibians, but none are exclusively amphibian eaters.

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

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reptile-eating birds

Reptiles are popular prey items for a wide variety of birds, but only a few raptors are truly reptile specialists.

Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus

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bird-eating birds

A number of hawks and falcons specialize in preying on birds, but many types of birds are more opportunistic, especially when it comes to feeding on baby birds.