Mosquitoes are the most annoying creatures on earth. The worst part is that they seem to be everywhere, and with summer just around the corner, there’s no way of escaping them.
Luckily for us, Mother Nature has blessed us with some natural enemies that keep these pests in check. These 16 birds can all consume mosquitoes as their main food source, so you might want to hang a bird feeder outside your window this summer!
Table of Contents
- 1 Birds That Eat Mosquitoes
- 2 How to Attract Birds that Eat Mosquitoes?
- 2.1 1. Place a bird feeder in your yard.
- 2.2 2. Plant a garden with mosquito-deterrent plants.
- 2.3 3. Keep your yard clean and free of standing water.
- 2.4 4. Hang birdhouses in your yard to attract birds.
- 2.5 5. Hang mosquito repellent in your yard like citronella.
- 2.6 6. Keep your property well-maintained and free of debris.
- 2.7 7. Install a Birdbath.
- 2.8 8. Keep pets indoors.
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3.1 Do birds eat mosquito larvae?
- 3.2 How do birds get rid of mosquitoes?
- 3.3 How many mosquitoes do birds eat?
- 3.4 Do birds keep mosquitoes away?
- 3.5 How do I keep mosquitoes from breeding in my bird bath?
- 3.6 Do hummingbirds eat mosquitoes?
- 3.7 Do starlings eat mosquitoes?
- 3.8 Do house sparrows eat mosquitoes?
- 3.9 Do starlings eat mosquitoes?
- 3.10 Do finches eat mosquitoes?
- 3.11 Do chickens eat mosquitoes?
- 3.12 Do ducks eat mosquitoes?
- 4 Conclusion
Birds That Eat Mosquitoes
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole species is a migratory bird that travels north in spring and south in fall, but what do they eat during these long journeys? It turns out that not only do Baltimore Orioles have a diverse diet, but their food preferences change depending on where they are currently located.
They feed mainly on fruits, and berries during the summer months when they migrate north to places like Canada or Michigan, but then turn to insects such as mosquitoes for sustenance when the weather starts getting colder.
Related Post: Baltimore Orioles Facts
Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinals are one of the most common birds in North America. These redbirds are known for their beautiful plumage and melodic song.
They live throughout much of the United States, and Canada and can be found in both rural, and urban areas. Northern Cardinals usually eat fruit, seeds, berries, nuts, nectar from flowers, and will eat any types of insects, including mosquitoes.
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Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Kingbirds are beautiful birds with large, colorful heads and chests. They live in the eastern United States and will eat anything from insects to small lizards. One of their favorite foods is mosquitoes.
Eastern Kingbirds have a preference for these pesky bugs because they are an easy meal for them to catch. The Eastern Kingbird catches its prey using this technique called sallying where it flies up high then drops down quickly when it spots one of its favorites.
Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadees are a type of bird that lives in North America. They can be found mostly in the eastern half of the United States and all throughout Canada. These birds love to eat mosquitoes, which is their favorite food.
In fact, they will actually consume three times as many mosquitoes as other types of birds. When mosquitoes come near, they fly down to take them out with their sharp beaks. Chickadees will often use other methods for hunting food as well.
Related Post: How Do I Attract Chickadees To My Yard?
Blackpoll Warbler
Mosquitoes can be a pesky problem for people, but one bird species has found an ingenious way to keep the mosquitoes away. The Blackpoll Warbler is a type of migratory songbird that breeds in North America and winters in South America.
Unlike other birds who eat mosquitoes for sustenance, this species prefers them as their main food source. In fact, they will even travel back to where they had nested in the previous year just so they can get more mosquitoes!
Chipping Sparrow
Chipping Sparrows are small birds found in North America, most commonly living in trees near water sources such as lakes or streams. Chipping Sparrows are known to eat mosquitoes.
This is beneficial because the bird will be eating the mosquito larvae, which would otherwise grow into a dangerous adult mosquito that could carry deadly diseases like malaria and the West Nile virus.
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Phoebes are small, drab-colored birds that live in the eastern United States. They eat insects and can be seen hawking for mosquitoes over fields, ponds, and marshes. Eastern Phoebes are voracious mosquito eaters.
In fact, they will fly through dense swarms of mosquitoes to find a few easy meals. When there is little or no food available, Eastern Phoebes may consume as much as 20% of their body weight in mosquitoes.
Tree Swallow
Tree Swallows are migratory birds that reside in North America during the summer. In the fall, they migrate to South America for the winter. They are insectivores and feed on many types of insects, including mosquitoes.
Tree swallows will often take their meals in flight and dive down into grassy areas for mosquitoes who have come out of hiding to escape the sun’s heat. The swallows can consume as many as 2000 mosquitoes per day! This is just one example of how nature helps keep our environment clean and healthy.
Related Post: How to Attract Tree Swallows to my yard?
Robins
Many people enjoy feeding the birds, but are not aware that robins eat mosquitoes. Robins are a great addition to any backyard as they will help keep mosquito populations low. They live in many places in North America, Europe, and Asia.
They are most commonly found in suburban yards, parks, near wetlands, or areas with water nearby such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. The best time to spot them is during migration periods when they stop at different locations along their journey for food and rest.
Related Post: Interesting American Robin Fun Facts
Nashville Warbler
The Nashville Warbler is a small songbird that migrates from North America to Central and South America in the winter. They live in woodlands and swampy areas throughout the United States. The Nashville Warbler is typically found near bodies of water or wetlands because they like to feed on mosquito larvae that have hatched from eggs laid by adult female mosquitoes.
Their diet consists mainly of large numbers of insects, with some fruits and berries to supplement their diet during winter months when bugs aren’t available.
Bluebirds
Bluebirds are one of the most beautiful birds to watch, and they help control mosquito populations. Bluebirds eat mosquitoes because they are attracted to their sweet smell. They often hunt by watching where insects congregate such as in tree branches or grasses.
When bluebirds find a large number of mosquitoes together, they can be seen attacking them from all sides, even eating some on the ground if necessary. This type of behavior is known as cooperative hunting.
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- How to Attract Eastern Bluebirds to your yard?
- 10 Best Birdfeeders for Bluebirds
- Interesting Eastern Bluebird Facts
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are known for their pecking, drilling, and drumming. Woodpeckers spend most of their time feeding on grubs and larvae that live under tree bark. It is possible that some species may eat adult insects like ants and wasps. What is not so well-known is that they also feed on mosquitoes!
Woodpeckers have long tongues which can catch insects in the air. Woodpeckers also use these tongues to probe into mosquito larvae breeding grounds and extract the young bugs from within their nests.
Related Posts: How to Attract Downy Woodpeckers: Expert Tips!
Barn Swallow
Barn swallows are one of the most common birds in North America. They typically migrate to Canada and Mexico during the winter months, but stay near water sources when it is warmer. The barn swallow’s diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, spiders, and earthworms.
Their primary hunting method is catching them on the wing; they also sometimes pick them off surfaces like leaves or from below ground level, where they burrow for prey.
Related Post: How to Attract Swallows to my yard?
Purple Martin
Purple Martins are birds in the swallow family. They eat mostly insects and other small invertebrates like spiders, flies, moths, beetles, dragonflies, and many others.
One of their favorite foods is mosquitoes! They hunt for mosquitoes in the sky and pluck them out of the air to eat. They also have a strong beak that can penetrate mosquito larvae hiding on water surfaces or just below the surface.
Related Post: How to Attract Purple Martins to your yard?
Wrens
Wrens are common brown songbirds in North America. They eat mostly insects and are known to hunt mosquitoes. The wren is the world’s champion mosquito eater. They are so efficient at catching and eating them that a single wren can consume up to 10,000 mosquitoes in one day!
Wrens mostly hunt for their prey in vegetation like bushes and grasses. If they see any insects buzzing around nearby, they will fly over to catch it with their beak or claw before swallowing it whole.
Related Post: How to Attract Wrens to your backyard?
Nuthatches
The nuthatch is a bird that can be found in the Northern Hemisphere. Nuthatches are birds that have adapted to living in trees and shrubs. They have a long, thin beak which they use to get food out of crevices or bark.
The nuthatch has also evolved wings that allow it to fly short distances from tree to tree. This makes them an excellent mosquito predator as mosquitoes swarm at the tops of plants looking for prey.
Related Post: How to Attract Nuthatches to your yard?
How to Attract Birds that Eat Mosquitoes?
1. Place a bird feeder in your yard.
Installing a bird feeder in your backyard can be a fun and easy way to attract birds and help keep pesky mosquitoes at bay. There are a variety of options available, so find the one that works best for you and your backyard.
Many types of birds will come to feed, including cardinals, bluebirds, blue jays, and chickadees. I’ve had excellent success using this squirrel-proof feeder with black-oil sunflower seed.
2. Plant a garden with mosquito-deterrent plants.
Many people are unaware that there are plants that help to control the population. Planting a garden with mosquito repelling plants can be a great way to help reduce mosquito populations in your yard and protect yourself and your family from the spread of disease.
There are many types of mosquito-deterrent plants available, so it is important to find one that is specifically suited to your location and needs. Some good options include:
- Lantana camara: This plant is great for areas near water, as it produces a lot of nectar. It can also be used in areas that are prone to insects and pests.
- Olea europaea: This tree is a good choice for areas that are dry, as it produces a lot of fruit that birds can eat. It can also be used in areas that have a lot of pests.
- Ageratum houstonianum: This plant is great for areas that are wet, as it produces a lot of nectar.
- Buddleia davidii: This plant is great for areas that are hot, as it produces a lot of nectar.
3. Keep your yard clean and free of standing water.
Keeping your yard clean and free of standing water is important. Standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes can also lay eggs in standing water, which can hatch into larvae.
4. Hang birdhouses in your yard to attract birds.
There are many ways to attract birds that eat mosquitoes to your home. One way is to hang birdhouses in your yard.
These houses can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. You can also buy pre-made birdhouses, or make your own using simple materials.
The key is to make sure the birdhouse is big enough for the birds you want to attract, and that it is placed in a location where they will be able to find it.
I would use a quality birdhouse that will last several years, and that can be used by more than one species, like this Natural Wooden Bird House that I purchased on Amazon for a great price.
5. Hang mosquito repellent in your yard like citronella.
If you’re looking to keep mosquitoes away from your home, one thing you can do is hang mosquito repellent in your yard like citronella.
This will help to keep the insects at bay while also providing a pleasant smell that can be appealing to birds.
6. Keep your property well-maintained and free of debris.
One way to attract birds that eat mosquitoes is to keep your property well-maintained and free of debris. By keeping your yard clean, you will make it less inviting for mosquitoes and other pests.
This will help to keep your home free from mosquitoes and other pests, which in turn will help to reduce your chances of getting bitten.
7. Install a Birdbath.
As with any living creature, water is necessary for survival. A good idea would be installing a bird bath near the mosquito-infested areas of your property so that they can easily drink and bathe.
If you are looking for a simple bird bath, that is affordable, I would recommend the VIVOSUN Bird Bath. If you’re searching for a premium quality one, that will last for years, I would suggest the Sunnydaze Ceramic Bird Bath.
8. Keep pets indoors.
One of the best ways to attract birds to your backyard is to keep your pets indoors. Pets like cats and dogs can keep the birds away, as they can be noisy and messy.
If you want to attract birds to your backyard, try keeping a clean environment and avoiding noisy activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do birds eat mosquito larvae?
Do birds eat mosquito larvae? Yes they do. Mosquito larvae typically live in freshwater habitats like ponds and puddles, where they feed on algae and other microorganisms that grow at the water’s surface. Birds feed on these materials, so it makes sense that they would also consume mosquito larvae as well.
How do birds get rid of mosquitoes?
Birds are able to rid themselves of mosquitoes by using their beaks to catch and eat the mosquitoes. Some birds, such as swallows, can fly very quickly and catch mosquitoes in midair. Other birds, such as crows, are able to snatch mosquitoes from the ground.
How many mosquitoes do birds eat?
Birds eat mosquitoes, but how many mosquitoes do birds eat? Studies have shown that some birds consume as many as 2000 mosquitoes per day. This means that if you want to attract birds that eat mosquitoes to your home, you will need to provide them with a lot of food.
Do birds keep mosquitoes away?
There is some evidence that birds may keep mosquitoes away from homes. One study found that when bird populations were reduced, mosquito populations increased.
In another study, it was found that when bird populations increased, mosquito populations decreased. It is possible that birds scare away mosquitoes by making a lot of noise or by chasing them away.
How do I keep mosquitoes from breeding in my bird bath?
Keeping mosquitoes from breeding in your bird bath can be as simple as adding a layer of gravel or rocks to the bottom. This will make it more difficult for the mosquitoes to lay their eggs and will keep them from accessing the water.
Another way to keep mosquitoes from breeding in your bird bath is to keep the water clean and clear. Make sure to scrub the surface of the birdbath every week with a stiff brush and a bird bath cleaner that is safe for birds. If you have a fountain, try to keep the water clean by adding a bit of fresh water every day.
Do hummingbirds eat mosquitoes?
Of course. Mosquitoes don’t stand a chance against hummingbirds! Hummingbirds eat both nectar, which is the primary food source, along with many types of insects, including mosquitoes.
You can attract these amazing creatures to your garden for the purpose of mosquito control by simply providing a few hummingbird feeders with sugar water.
For this, I would use the Muse Garden Hummingbird Feeder, because they go crazy over the colors. It seems to attract them in droves. It is also recommended to add an attraction such as red flowers nearby for best results.
Do starlings eat mosquitoes?
Starlings are a common bird in North America and Europe, and they are known to eat mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are an important part of the diet for many bird species, and starlings are no exception.
Some people believe that starlings help reduce mosquito populations, while others believe that starlings are simply opportunistic eaters and do not play a significant role in controlling mosquito populations.
Do house sparrows eat mosquitoes?
House sparrows have a voracious appetite and will eat almost anything they can find, including mosquitoes.
House sparrows usually hunt for food on the ground, but if there is no prey available to them, then they will fly up into trees to get their fill.
They have also been observed eating mosquito larvae from bird baths. When house sparrows go hunting for mosquitoes, it helps keep their population under control because mosquitoes are an easy meal for these birds.
Do starlings eat mosquitoes?
Do starlings eat mosquitoes? Starlings are a type of bird that feeds on a variety of insects. They can consume 850 insects per day and have been found to prefer large flies, beetles, and mosquitoes as their prey.
Starlings have also been shown to take nectar from flowers as well as fruits from trees in order to survive. In fact, they will do just about anything it takes for food if the opportunity presents itself!
Do finches eat mosquitoes?
The answer is yes! They do. One way to reduce their population is by introducing finches in areas where mosquitoes are abundant.
They have been observed eating mosquito larvae and pupae, which can be found near standing water or low-lying vegetation that collect rainwater.
Finches are the key to stopping mosquitoes because they eat their eggs, which could prevent the future production of more mosquitoes.
Do chickens eat mosquitoes?
Yes, chickens will eat mosquitoes. This is beneficial to the chicken because mosquitoes are pests that can spread diseases, and due to mosquitoes’ small size, chickens can eat many of them in a short period of time. Chickens will also eat other small pests, such as spiders and ants.
Do ducks eat mosquitoes?
Ducks are known to eat mosquitoes larvae and pupae, and they will consume both large and small insects. Ducks are a very important part of the ecosystem.
In fact, they eat so many mosquitoes that it is estimated that they can save over 3 million people from malaria and yellow every year.
Conclusion
By following the tips in this article, you can attract birds that eat mosquitoes to your yard. These birds will help to keep the mosquito population under control.
