Bird watching isn’t just about spotting pretty feathers—it’s also about understanding behavior. One of the best clues to a bird’s identity is how and what it eats. Most backyard birds fall into two broad diet categories: insect-eaters and seed-eaters. In this two-part blog series, we’ll explore how to spot each type and how you can support them with the right foods.

🐛 Insect-Lovers: Nature’s Pest Control

These birds are your garden’s best friends. They thrive on protein-packed insects and are especially active in the spring and summer when feeding their young.

Birds to Watch For:

• Eastern Bluebird

• American Robin

• Carolina Wren

• Northern Mockingbird

These birds tend to forage in motion—on the ground, in brush piles, or even in midair. You'll often see them flicking leaves, scratching dirt, or darting after flying insects.

🐛 Feeding Tips for Insect-Eaters

• Offer freeze-dried mealworms in a flat or mesh feeder.

• Rehydrate mealworms with warm water to enhance scent and softness.

• Mix into suet cakes or sprinkle on the ground where ground-foragers feed.

Pro Tip: You don’t need live insects to keep these birds happy. Freeze-dried options are cleaner, shelf-stable, and just as nutritious.