A few days ago I noticed in the garden that some birds were finding worms out of the soil, and the birds were eating the worms. Although I have already read many articles, I know that birds eat worms. But not many people know why do birds eat worms. So today I will discuss in detail why do birds eat worms?
Birds eat worms This does not apply to all birds, there are some species of birds whose favorite food is worms. Now the question is why worms are the favorite food of these birds? Worms are very tasty to see in their eyes? Are there any benefits to birds playing worms? Do these worms play a special role in improving the body of birds?
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In short, birds eat these worms in different situations. These worms also supply the birds with food rich in proteins, nutrients, and minerals.
Let’s find out details now why birds eat worms.
Do Birds Really Eat Worms?
Yes, birds eat worms! We can say this question is true. Birds usually eat worms that are easy to find. Birds eat mostly larvae of earthworms and insects. Insects of this species feed on a large portion of the birds.
Many birds do not eat worms, it is true that many of us do not want to believe it. But the reality is different. A small part of the birds eats worms. Birds feed on their young and they feed on worms in order to meet their body’s need for foods rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals. These worms are very useful for the growth of young birds and also for keeping the body temperature of birds in winter and birds eat these worms.
Why Do Birds Eat Insects?
Birds eat worms for different purposes. Birds feed on a variety of insects to build beautiful and smooth feathers and to strengthen muscles. They also feed on worms to supplement vitamin deficiencies in the natural growth of their young.
Worms are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins, and fats. All these essential things are collected by the birds by eating worms. This helps to keep the body temperature of the birds right during the subsequent winters. So, above all, it is said that birds eat all these worms to improve their life and healthy development.
How Do Birds Find Worms in The Ground?
If you have ever wondered how birds can find worms in the garden. Some of the most common are bird species, which support worms as their food source. The birds include Robin, Blackbird, and Thrash.
Through many studies, it has been determined that birds can detect insects from underground using three of their five senses. This includes seeing, hearing, and feeling the vibrations under their feet. The other two senses, taste and smell, are not often used because they are not well developed in most birds.
Most birds detect worms from the surface using their amazing eyesight to see grass and soil.
The hearing of birds is even more amazing. Birds hear the sound of earthworms digging tunnels under the ground and rubbing soil particles together. Birds’ feet are very sensitive and they can feel vibrations under the feet which makes it easy for them to pull an insect out of the soil through a tunnel.
When it rains, the worms often crawl on the ground and this then becomes a lucky thing for the birds. Birds easily collect worms as nutritious food.
Birds That Eat Worms
There are many species of birds in the world whose main food is various insects. Although not all birds eat insects. Below is a list of all the birds that like to eat insects.
- American Robin
- American Woodcock
- Black-bellied Plover
- Black-tailed Godwit
- Clapper Rail
- Eastern Screech-Owl
- Eurasian Blackbird
- Killdeer
- Malayan Night Heron
- Marbled Godwit
- Rufous-breasted Antthrush
- Semipalmated Plover
- Short-billed Dowitcher
- Sora
Final Thought
There are many species of birds in the world. The food of birds varies from species to species. Some birds eat insects and some birds eat garbage. However, there are many birds that eat insects, even small amounts. So many people may wonder why birds eat worms. I have tried to explain the whole thing well in this article.
The main purpose of birds eating insects and spiders is to maintain their nutritional value and to maintain their body temperature during winter.