Month: June 2025

Categories
Bird Guides

What Do Fledgling Birds Eat?

A hummingbird fledgling begging for food off its parent.

This time of year, birds are busy taking care of their young. One of the main ways they provide for them is by feeding them. But what do fledgling birds eat? When you see adult birds at your feeder or foraging for insects in the leaf litter, you might wonder how much of that food is for their young.

Fledgling finches begging for food from their parent.
Image by Maranda Mink via Flickr.

Fledglings are birds that have officially left the nest, but that doesn’t always mean they’re completely on their own. While they are able to find some food by themselves, their parents may continue to feed them. It all depends on the bird species.

In this guide, we’ll learn what fledgling birds eat, from the moment they’re little chicks to when they are off on their own. We’ll also discuss what a fledgling is, what you should do if you find one, and what food (if any) to provide for them.

What is a Fledgling?

Before we learn “what do fledgling birds eat?” It’s important to distinguish what fledglings are. There are many developmental stages in a bird’s life. After they hatch from the egg and are still in the nest, they are considered ‘hatchlings.’

Once they start to grow, but are still in the nest, they are ‘nestlings.’ Some nestlings, especially waterfowl, leave the nest within one to two days after hatching and immediately start foraging for food.

Most other bird species, such as songbirds, raise their young in the nest for about two weeks. Birds of prey stay in the nest much longer, ranging from about a month for kestrels to 10-12 weeks for bald eagles.

When a nestling is old enough to leave the nest, it “fledges,” which is why it’s then called a fledgling. In general, fledglings can fly short distances and will follow their parents around. The parents still feed them for about one to two weeks after they fledge. During this time, fledglings learn how to find food and survive on their own.

A comparison picture of an American Robin in nestling and fledgling stage.
Comparison pictures of an American Robin nestling (left) and fledgling (right). Left image by Craig Chaddock via Instagram and Flickr. Right image by Gillian Floyd via Flickr.

What do Fledgling Birds Eat?

Fledgling birds eat a variety of foods; it all depends on the species. By the time they fledge, fledglings typically begin eating a more diverse diet compared to when they were nestlings. This is because they can now forage on their own while also continuing to receive food from their parents.

Most songbird nestlings eat a protein-rich diet of insects, caterpillars, and worms. This helps them develop quickly and begin growing their adult feathers. During nesting, parent birds feed their young frequently, sometimes as often as every 10 to 20 minutes.

By the time they fledge, they aren’t eating quite as often, but their diet is still mainly protein-rich insects. A fledgling’s diet isn’t always exactly the same as the adult bird’s diet.

For instance, cedar waxwings mostly eat berries and some insects, but they will feed their nestlings an insect-dominant diet for the first few days after hatching. Then, they gradually introduce other foods until the chicks fledge and forage alongside their parents. During this time, the adult cedar waxwings still provide insects so that the fledglings can continue to develop properly.

What do Fledgling Birds Eat: Examples

Because there is much variation in what fledgling birds eat, here are some specific examples of fledgling diets across different bird species:

A hummingbird fledgling begging for food off its parent.
Image by Darcy Barry via Flickr.
  • American Robin: Mostly worms and insects, including spiders, snails, and other invertebrates.
  • American Goldfinch: Unlike other fledglings, American Goldfinch young are fed a seed-dominant diet.
  • Canada Goose: Fledglings feed themselves after hatching. They primarily eat plant materials, including aquatic plants, along with small insects and crustaceans.
  • Hummingbirds: Fed regurgitated nectar and small insects, including spiders, mosquitoes, and gnats.
  • Bald Eagle: Parents provide food to the fledglings for several weeks while they learn to fly and hunt. Their diet includes fish, small mammals, and carrion.
  • Great Horned Owl: According to Audubon Field Guide, “Young may leave nest and climb on nearby branches at 5 weeks, can fly at about 9-10 weeks; tended and fed by parents for up to several months.” They are fed a diet of small prey, including mice, squirrels, snakes, and rabbits.

What to do if you find a Fledgling

If you’re wondering, “What do fledgling birds eat?” because you’ve found one in your yard, the first important step is to determine if it’s actually a fledgling. A fledgling will have most of its mature feathers. It will probably still look different than the adult, but it shouldn’t have the fuzzy down or bare skin that nestlings have.

Two Eastern Bluebird fledgling birds eat food fed by their parent.
Image by Deborah Bifulco via Flickr.

If the bird you’ve found is indeed a fledgling, it’s best to leave it be. The parents are most likely nearby and will continue to care for it.

If the fledgling appears ill or injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitation facility near you. Move the bird, if necessary, to a safer location away from pets or predators. The wildlife rehabilitators you contact can guide you on how to best keep the bird safe while you wait for their assistance.

If the bird you found is a nestling, it’s best to return it to its nest if possible. It is a myth that touching a baby bird will cause the parents to reject it. Just be sure to wear gloves and handle it very gently. I recommend checking out the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association guide, which provides pictures and step-by-step instructions for what to do if you find a baby bird.

In the instance that the nestling is injured or sick, contact a wildlife rehabilitation center. You can move the baby bird to a safe location and, if necessary, feed it hydrated or live mealworms or moistened cat or dog food. Do not feed it processed food, bread, or milk.

Final Thoughts

It’s normal to be curious about “what do fledgling birds eat” when wanting to help a baby bird. But most of the time, the parents are nearby and will continue to care for it. If you have any doubts about what you should do, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.

On their own, fledgling birds eat a variety of food. Songbirds eat mostly insects, seeds, and berries, while other fledglings—such as owlets—will eat mice and squirrels. It all depends on the species.

A Tri-colored Blackbird feeding its fledgling.
Image by Ingrid Taylar via Flickr.

What’s your experience with fledgling birds? Have you ever had to help or feed a baby bird in need? Tell us your story in the comments below!

Categories
Conservation

Are Eurasian-Collared Doves Invasive?

A close-up image of an Eurasian-collared Dove.

Eurasian-collared doves look like chunky mourning doves with a black stripe on their neck. While they often appear in the same area as their look-alikes, their native ranges differ. So, are Eurasian-collared doves invasive?

A Eurasian-collared Dove standing on an electric power line.
Image by Kevin Fox via Flickr.

Eurasian-Collared Dove Identification

Eurasian-collared doves have solid gray/brown feathers everywhere except for a black half ring that’s on the back of their necks. They have plump bodies and small heads, but overall, they’re bigger than mourning doves. Males and females look identical, but sometimes, females have more brown coloring around their heads.

You’ll typically see these birds perched on trees, poles, and wires, where they make three-syllable “coo” sounds like mourning doves. They often gather at backyard bird feeders and other areas with spilled seeds.

Where are Eurasian-Collared Doves Native?

Eurasian-collared doves have a wide native range across Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. They’re frequently found in suburbs, farmlands, and open country.

Unfortunately, people introduced these birds to new areas outside of their native range. Of course, this isn’t the fault of the birds, but invasive species can have negative effects on native ecosystems.

A dead tree with several perching Eurasian-collared doves.
Image by Nickinthegarden via Flickr.

Where are Eurasian-Collared Doves Invasive?

These birds are invasive across North America, particularly from southern Canada through central Mexico. They don’t migrate, so they stay in the same area year-round.

People accidentally introduced the doves to new areas after some escaped a pet store in the Bahamas in the 1970s. They bred rapidly and spread across other areas of North America shortly after. The first documented evidence of them breeding in Florida occurred in 1982. Now, they’re common across most of the continent.

This is just one of the many invasive bird species in North America. Other common invasive species include European Starlings and Monk Parakeets.

Risks of Invasive Eurasian-Collared Doves

Eurasian-collared doves are beautiful birds, so most people don’t think much of it when they see them in North America. Yet, like with all invasive species, there are downsides to these birds living outside their native range.

Competition with Native Species

Invasive species commonly compete with native animals by taking food and nesting spots. The invasive animals need these items to survive just like any other creature, but as a result, they end up taking away essentials from native animals.

A pine tree with many doves.
Image by Sharon Lee via Flickr.

Eurasian-collared doves compete with many similar birds, such as other doves, which can cause the population of those species to decline if they don’t get enough resources.

Aggression Toward Other Birds

Not only do these birds take resources from native birds, but they may also act aggressively toward native species. People have observed these invasive birds scaring away smaller birds from feeding areas. If you have a bird feeder outside, they may become territorial and prevent native birds from accessing that food.

Agricultural Damage

These birds can be pests in agricultural areas. If they find a farm growing grains, they may feed on the seeds and damage the crops. They eat a wide variety of seeds, including wheat, corn, and millet. Since there are so many native species already eating seeds in the wild and at feeders, Eurasian-collared doves will eat seeds wherever they can find them, which isn’t always ideal.

Spreading Disease

When these invasive birds enter North America, they can bring diseases with them. They’re specifically known for carrying a disease-causing parasite called Trichomonas gallinae, which can cause inflammation in the lining of a bird’s crop and mouth. The invasive birds spread the parasites to other species when they visit feeders and birdbaths.

Two doves perched on a tree branch>
Image by Loren Chipman via Flickr.

What Can We Do About Invasive Eurasian-Collared Doves?

While some areas of North America allow hunting and capturing of these non-native birds, many consider that inhumane. These birds didn’t ask to be moved to a new location, so they’re just living their lives like the native species. Luckily, there are efforts we can make to reduce the amount of harm the birds cause to the ecosystem without hurting any birds.

Prevent New Invasive Birds from Entering

Of course, the most important thing for people to focus on is ensuring more of these birds don’t enter the continent. Ships transporting products should make sure there are no animals aboard before leaving. Anyone that has pet Eurasian-collared doves should take precautions to ensure they don’t escape and never release them into the wild.

Keep Them Away from Feeders

Another option is to deter these doves from visiting bird feeders. That way, they’ll be less likely to spread diseases and scare off native species. Eurasian-collared doves primarily seek out spilled seeds. So, stick to seeds without shells so there will be less mess around the feeder. If bird seed still falls, clean up the ground around the feeder whenever you can.

Protect Your Crops

If you grow crops that are likely to be swarmed by invasive doves, you may have to take precautions to avoid damage. Setting up bird netting or predator decoys may discourage birds from feeding on your crops. With methods like that, you can deter unwanted birds without harming them.

Are There Any Benefits to Eurasian-Collared Doves in North America?

The benefits and downsides to Eurasian-collared doves in North America are still being studied. While it’s clear that invasive species have some negative impacts on ecosystems, they may offer some small benefits. Since they sometimes eat insects in addition to seeds, they may help remove pests. Having these birds around also means more food for native predators.

A tree full of doves.
Image by Nickinthegarden via Flickr.

However, the risks typically outweigh the benefits for invasive species like this. Since these birds aren’t meant to be in North America, they can throw off the ecosystem’s balance, even though these birds clearly don’t mean any harm.

Eurasian-Collared Doves are Pretty but Invasive

Like other doves, Eurasian-collared doves are beautiful and fascinating to observe, but unfortunately, they’re invasive in North America. Set up bird feeders in a way that doesn’t encourage invasive species to gather, allowing native birds to be safer and well-fed.

Most importantly, make sure you’re never releasing pet birds into the wild, especially invasive species like this one. As amazing as birds are, it’s best for the ecosystem and the birds if they remain in their natural range.

Categories
Bird Guides

What Do Cardinals Eat?

A cardinal using a suet bird feeder.

Cardinals are small, beautiful birds that are known for their red coloring. When people see male cardinals flock to bird feeders, it’s normal to get excited and admire their vibrant plumage. If you want cardinals to appear in your backyard, it’s important to ask, “what do cardinals eat?” Learning about cardinal diets can help you attract them to your feeder if they live in your area.

Northern Cardinals Feeding
Image by Brody J via Flickr.

What are Cardinals?

Cardinals (birds in the Cardinalidae family) are medium-sized songbirds that have tall crests and thick bills. In all cardinal species, the males have beautiful red feathers while females have brown feathers (although some species are much redder than others). Many people love seeing cardinals flock to their feeders because of their gorgeous appearance.

Since they’re songbirds, they make a variety of unique sounds, including territorial chirps, comforting “took” sounds, and mating songs.

Types of Cardinals

There are currently three species of cardinals: northern cardinals, vermilion cardinals, and desert cardinals. When people think of cardinals, the northern cardinal is the species that usually comes to mind. The males of this species have bright red feathers all over except for a black patch near their face. The females have the same appearance, but brown instead of red.

Northern Cardinal Pair
Image by Rockytopk9 via Flickr.

Vermilion cardinals look very similar, but they have taller crests and larger beaks. The males are often more red-orange than deep red. The third species is the desert cardinal, also known as pyrrhuloxia. Both male and female desert cardinals are mostly gray, but males have red patches near their faces, crests, bellies, wings, and tails.

While there are other species called cardinals, such as red-crested cardinals, they’re not true cardinals. They only gained that name because of their similar appearance.

It is important to know which species of cardinal you want to attract as each cardinal species eats different food.

Where Do Cardinals Live?

Cardinals appear in North and South America, but their range depends on the species. Northern cardinals have the widest range, stretching across the eastern United States, most of Mexico, and some areas of southeastern Canada and southwestern United States. They appear in forests, fields, and backyards.

Desert cardinals appear from the southwestern United States to central Mexico, sticking to dry desert scrublands. Vermilion cardinals only live in semi-arid scrublands of northern South America.

What Do Cardinals Eat?

Most cardinals eat a variety of seeds, grains, and fruits. Some even eat insects and other small invertebrates. The thick bills of these birds make it easy for them to crush the dense shells of certain seeds.

Image by Scott’swildlife via Flickr.

The exact diet depends on the species:

  • Northern cardinals: Weed seeds, sunflower seeds, grass seeds, leaf buds, berries, wild fruits, insects
  • Vermilion cardinals: Corn seeds, other seeds, fleshy fruits, insects
  • Desert cardinals: Weed seeds, grass seeds, mesquite seeds, insects, berries, cactus fruits, other wild fruits

While the above are the preferred foods of each species, their diets may change slightly depending on where they live and what’s available to them. On average, the northern cardinal eats 71% plant matter and 29% animal matter, and the other two species are similar.

What cardinals eat can affect how red they are since carotenoids (pigments found in red and purple fruits) can alter a bird’s coloring. When male cardinals eat more of certain fruits, they may appear redder, similar to how flamingos turn pink because of the shrimp and other aquatic organisms they eat.

Cardinal Feeding Habits

Cardinals typically feed by foraging for food on the ground. You may see them hopping around the ground and pecking at the dirt to gather fallen seeds, grains, and berries. They may also forage in low bushes or trees.

These beautiful red birds commonly seek out bird feeders when searching for food. If the feeder is full of food items they love, they’re not shy about entering human yards to feed. They may land on the feeder or eat fallen bird seed from the ground.

A cardinal eating from a suet bird feeder.
Image by Ken’s Photographic World via Flickr.

While all cardinal species eat seeds, fruits, and plant matter more than insects, their chicks primarily eat insects because they provide the protein that the young birds need to grow. This unique diet continues for the first few months of a cardinal’s life.

Do Cardinal Diets Change Seasonally?

Overall, cardinals have the same diets year-round. Yet, there are small changes throughout the year. For example, cardinals typically eat more insects than normal during the breeding season to ensure their chicks get enough protein.

However, cardinals eat little to no insects in the winter, focusing primarily on seeds and fruits since it’s hard to find insects in frigid temperatures. Cardinals rely on bird feeders a lot in the winter since finding food is much harder than it is during warmer seasons.

A Northern Cardinal eating an insect.
Image by nhblevins via Flickr.

What Do Cardinals Prefer to Eat from Bird Feeders?

Finding out “what do cardinals eat?” can help you attract these beautiful birds to your feeder. Northern cardinals are the most likely to visit yards since they have the widest range and live in areas close to humans.

Cardinals aren’t picky birds, but some foods are more likely to attract them. Sunflowers seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, and mealworms are all snacks beloved by cardinals. Make sure the feeder has a platform that cardinals can rest on while enjoying the food.

Keep your bird feeder full for the best results. Consider putting some seeds on the ground near the feeder too since some cardinals are more comfortable feeding off the ground.

Other Tips for Attracting Cardinals

Food isn’t the only thing that can make your yard appeal to cardinals. You should also ensure your property is a comfortable environment. Offer plenty of natural hiding places for the birds, including trees, bushes, and shrubs.

A female cardinal eating berries.
Image by Shannon O’Shea Wildlife Photography via Flickr.

Cardinals also flock towards running water, especially in colder months when non-frozen water is difficult to find. They use running water for both drinking and bathing, so by having food, shelter, and water outside your home, it’s a safe and comfortable place for cardinals to hang out. Cardinals don’t migrate, so offer these aspects year-round.

Use What Cardinals Eat to Attract Them to Your Feeder

Knowing the answer to “what do cardinals eat?” can help you better understand their habits, allowing you to attract them to your yard. Offering a variety of seeds, especially sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, can appeal to cardinals, making them flock to your feeder. By doing this, you’ll have plenty of beautiful red birds to admire while keeping the cardinals happy.

Categories
Nesting Notes

Nesting Behaviors of Carolina Wrens in USA

A carolina wren using a nest box.

At first, the Carolina Wren appears shy. 

But head to any brush, swamp, forest or even backyard in eastern USA and the summer air comes alive with the rolling song of the Carolina Wren. 

Males use a series of calls to attract a mate. 

A close-up of a carolina wren perched on a tree branch.
Image by Rob Mikulec via Flickr.

A pair of Carolina Wrens will stay together for the rest of their lives. 

This article will aim to explore the nesting behaviors of the Carolina Wren. We’ll be looking at the geographical location, as well as areas they like to nest. After, we’ll explore courtship and nest building. 

Read on to discover more about the Carolina Wren. 

What Are Carolina Wrens?

Before we jump straight in, let’s get to know this song bird.

Despite its small size, no more than 5.5 inches, the Carolina Wren is actually the largest wren species found in eastern North America.

While there are various subspecies spread throughout their range, each with slight differences  in plumage color and detail, the Carolina Wren can be identified by their rich reddish brown and buff plumage. 

Above their eyes, they have a distinctive white stripe that extends to the base of their wings.

Geographical Distribution of Carolina Wrens

The Carolina Wren is a non-migratory bird that stays within its home territory all year long. They can be found across eastern North America. 

Some of the best states to see these birds include regions in the southeast, such as Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, as these states are within the core range.

Carolina Wrens can also be found in states further north, like Illinois and Massachusetts. They can even be found in the extreme south of Ontario, Canada. 

Two singing wrens perched on a bare tree.
Image by Rob Mikulec via Flickr.

However, these wrens do not like cold conditions, and northern populations are more vulnerable to harsh winters which may affect nesting success. 

With a warming global climate, the range of this species has been steadily increasing northwards. 

Where Do Carolina Wrens Nest?

When it comes to choosing a nesting site, Carolina Wrens aren’t fussy. 

They usually nest in natural locations, such as branches, tree-holes and stumps. 

While they prefer open cavities, typically 3-6 feet off the ground, these wrens will also use human-made locations. 

This small passerine is an opportunistic nester, and will readily convert discarded flower pots, mailboxes, windowsills and other suburban items into prime nesting spots. 

Carolina Wren Nest Construction 

For Carolina Wrens, teamwork is key. 

Before copulation can begin, there’s a vetting process. A female must find a suitable nest site in which to raise her clutch. 

To do this, the male takes the lead. 

Within his territory, an estimated 0.007 square kilometers, the male Carolina Wren will construct a series of nests in various spots. Likely places include trees, overhangs, stumps, and discarded items like flowerpots or mailboxes.

The female will examine the nests built by the male and choose the one she deems most suitable.

Once the female has chosen a nest, both male and female Carolina Wrens work together to complete construction. A variety of nesting materials are used – including twigs, leaves, and other plant debris. 

A carolina wren with nesting material in its beak.
Image by Johnip86 via Flickr.

The female will line the inside of the nest with softer materials like moss, grass, animal hair, and feathers. The male may occasionally add material once incubation begins. 

A pair may nest multiple times in a single season. In Southern states, where temperatures are warmer and more consistent, some pairs may nest as many as 3 times in the season.

However, nests are not reused for additional broods.

Copulation In Carolina Wrens 

Carolina Wren courtship begins with the male performing a series of displays to attract a female. 

This includes singing and dancing. Males occasionally hop around the female in a circle while puffing out their feathers and fanning their tail. 

Males may also bring food offerings to the female. This is called courtship feeding. By bringing food, the male demonstrates his ability to find and provide for the female, which is important for her health and reproductive success.

Male Carolina Wrens are known for their loud, repetitive songs, which they use to attract females.

The females, however, do not sing. Instead, they make a series of calls. Think of them more like backing singers to the lead. 

This is relatively unusual within wren species. 

In other wren species, such as house wrens and canyon wrens, both male and females sing loud songs. 

This wren species is monogamous and, once a bond has formed, the paired birds stay together for life. 

While Carolina Wrens typically breed between mid-March and late September, a bond between a male and female can happen at any time of the year. 

What Happens After Copulation?

Carolina Wrens share parental care. 

A carolina wren using a nest box.
Image by Peter Schreck via Flickr.

Females lay, on average, about four eggs and incubate them for two weeks. During this time, the male brings her food. 

Once the chicks have hatched, both parents feed their chicks a variety of insect protein. This typically includes caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers and beetles.

After approximately 2 weeks, chicks will leave the nest. 

However, getting the chicks to leave home takes considerable effort from the parents. By decreasing food deliveries, chicks are forced to leave and forage for themselves. 

After leaving the nest, both parents will continue to visit the young to help with any feeding requirements. This normally continues until the young reach independence – approximately 4 – 6 weeks old.

The young leave the area where they were born to find their own territory. The following Spring, they themselves will be able to nest.

Attract Carolina Wrens To Your Yard 

Carolina Wrens are a resilient species, and have adapted to thrive in a variety of habitats – including human-modified environments. 

They are also a joy to listen to – you’ll probably hear them more than you see them. There are various methods to attract these wrens to your own yard. Hopefully, you may even get a pair of nesting Carolina Wrens. 

1. Add bird feeders to your yard 

Carolina Wrens are predominantly insect feeders.

For attracting Carolina Wrens to your yard, a suet feeder is a great choice, especially in winter. Look for added mealworms or other insects for a high protein option. 

Two carolina wrens using a bird feeder.
Image by blueridgekitties via Flickr.

2. Put up nest boxes

Carolina Wrens do not like the cold. 

To help them escape sudden cold periods, consider erecting nest boxes around your yard – they are particularly favorable to nest boxes containing dried grasses. 

In spring, these wrens may use the nest boxes for their intended purpose – nesting. Just ensure you put the box up way before the start of the breeding season (March). 

3. Keep areas of the yard messy 

For those who like order in their yards, this might not be for you. 

However, keeping areas of your yard messy does wonders for wildlife. Leaf piles, logs and weeds not only provide materials for nest construction, but also a habitat for insects – the favorite food of Carolina Wrens.

You’ll be amazed at how much diversity can be added to your yard if you leave in the smallest space for nature to do its thing. 

These simple methods are some of the easiest ways to attract nesting Carolina Wrens to your own backyard. 

Final Thoughts

Despite their small size, male Carolina Wrens have a large repertoire of songs and calls which they use to attract females. 

Once a bond between the sexes has formed, the male and female will remain together for many years – perhaps even the rest of their lives. 

Together, they’ll construct nests and feed offspring. 

If you live in eastern North America, you can attract Carolina Wrens to your own backyard by provide insect-rich feeders, nest boxes and nesting material.

A Carolina Wren perched on a branch.
Image by Peter Granka via Flickr.