Do Birds Eat Cicadas? A Fascinating Avian Behavior Insight

Cicadas are insects known for their distinctive, loud mating calls and periodic mass emergences. With over 1,300 species worldwide, these insects can occasionally become a food source for various animals, including birds.

When periodical cicadas emerge in large numbers, it becomes a veritable feast for many insect-eating predators. In such situations, birds can capitalize on the abundant food supply. Alongside birds, other animals like frogs, fish, and raccoons also take the opportunity to consume these insects.

Interestingly, studies have shown that some bird populations might have larger clutch sizes during the years when periodical cicadas emerge. This indicates that the availability of cicadas as a food source could potentially impact the reproduction and population dynamics of certain bird species.

Birds That Eat Cicadas

Common Bird Species

Birds such as crows, jays, woodpeckers, and cuckoos are known to eat cicadas.

Other examples include:

• Sparrows
• Robins
• Bluebirds
• Northern cardinals
• Gray catbirds

These bird species find cicadas to be a nutritious food source during their emergence period.

Predator Birds

Birds of prey, such as falcons and hawks, also consume cicadas when they can.

For example, the American kestrel, a small falcon, eats cicadas, as well as the Red-tailed hawk.

Cicada Specialists

While not solely dependent on cicadas, certain bird species, like the Loggerhead shrike, are known to be particularly adept at hunting these insects.

Here is a comparison table of some features:

Birds benefit from the cicada emergence, but at the same time, many cicadas escape predation due to their sheer numbers, making this a balanced relationship between predator and prey.

Cicadas as a Food Source

Nutritional Benefits

Cicadas are insects that provide a valuable food source for birds and other predators. They’re rich in nutrients, like:

• protein: essential for bird muscle development
• iron: helps carry oxygen in the bloodstream
• vitamins: support overall bird health

Here’s a comparison table of some nutritional values Cicadas offer:

Impact on Bird Populations

Cicadas benefit birds by providing significant amounts of nourishment during their mass emergence events. As they are clumsy fliers, they become easy prey. This results in:

• Increase in bird survival rates
• Boost in reproduction due to the abundance of food (eggs)

However, when Brood X cicadas emerge, their massive presence could result in:

• Birds overeating and impacting their digestive system
• Temporary disturbances in the ecosystem

Emergence and Predation Patterns

Annual Cicadas

Annual cicadas are cicadas that emerge every year, typically during summer months. They serve as prey for a variety of birds, such as:

• Robins
• Starlings
• Mockingbirds

Periodical Cicadas

Periodical cicadas, like those of Brood X, emerge less frequently and usually have 13-year or 17-year cycles. Their emergence leads to an abundance of food for birds, which may result in:

• Increase in number of bird eggs
• Higher survival rate for songbird nests

For instance, during the 2004 17-year cicada emergence, little cerulean warblers experienced higher nest survival rates.

Comparison Table

The nymphs of both types burrow into the ground, but periodical cicadas have longer cycles of 6-7 weeks before hatching, leading to a significant emergence event.

The Ecosystem’s Role in Cicadas and Bird Behavior

Mammals and Reptiles That Consume Cicadas

Cicadas play a significant role in the ecosystem, providing food for a variety of animals. Mammals and reptiles such as:

• Moles
• Mallards
• Rodents
• Marsupials

These creatures consume cicadas, especially when they emerge from underground as part of their life cycle.

Insect Predators of Cicadas

In addition to mammals and reptiles, cicadas face predation from other insects and arachnids, including:

• Ants
• Beetles
• Mites
• Spiders

These insect predators take advantage of cicadas’ transparent wings and limited flying abilities, targeting them while they are vulnerable.

Effect of Fungus on Cicadas

Cicadas are also affected by fungi, which can cause various diseases and infections in these insects. The fungus has the ability to alter cicadas’ behaviors, making them more susceptible to predation.

Bird Behavior and Cicadas Consumption

Many bird species, such as turkeys and songbirds, benefit from the emergence of cicadas as a food source. They are drawn to areas with high cicada populations and their consumption of cicadas can help control these insect populations. Bird eggs may also thrive during cicada emergence due to the abundance of food.

Though cicadas serve as prey for a variety of animals, they are not toxic to mammals, making them a viable food source for pets and humans. In fact, some people consider cicadas a delicacy.

Understanding Cicadas

Species and Lifecycles

Cicadas are insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, with over 1,300 species worldwide. Most of these are found in the tropics. They undergo a unique lifecycle involving nymphs and emergence.

• Nymphs: Juvenile cicadas that live underground for years, feeding on tree roots.
• Emergence: Nymphs transform into adult cicadas and emerge from the ground in large numbers.

Some cicadas, known as periodical cicadas, synchronously emerge every 13 or 17 years in massive groups. This phenomenon is called brood emergence.

Physical Characteristics

Cicadas are easily recognized by their distinct physical features:

• Wings: They have two pairs of transparent and veined wings.
• Colors: Cicadas exhibit various colors, ranging from black to green, often with patterns.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting some differences between cicadas and locusts, another type of insect that exhibits swarming behavior:

Cicadas play an essential role in the forest ecosystem, providing food for many bird and mammal species that feed on them. These prey-predator interactions contribute to the overall health and balance of the ecosystem.

Humans and Cicadas

Pets and Cicadas

Cicadas are not considered harmful to people or pets. While they may be seen as a nuisance due to their loud mating noises, they do not pose any direct threat. Some pets, like cats and dogs, might find cicadas intriguing or even enjoy playing with or eating them. In fact, various creatures such as lizards, snakes, and birds, also feast on cicadas.

Common Cicada Predators:

• Cats
• Dogs
• Lizards
• Snakes
• Birds
• Mammals (squirrels, raccoons)

Cicadas in Public Spaces

Cicadas are often encountered in public spaces like parks and gardens, and while they may not cause any direct harm, people should be aware of their presence. In states like Maryland and North Carolina, cicadas are a part of the natural ecosystem and will be encountered by residents during their emergence period.

Cicada Encounters:

• Walking in parks
• Birdwatching
• Gardening

Cicadas contribute to the local environment by providing nourishment to various animals, such as birds, lizards, arachnids, and even ants. Their presence also indicates a healthy ecosystem, as they are sensitive to changes like pollution or habitat loss.

Since cicadas are commonly consumed by many animals, human interaction with cicadas may also lead to more opportunities for birdwatching or observing other wildlife feeding on the cicada buffet. Birdwatchers can spot various bird species, such as gulls and herons, feasting on cicadas during their mass emergence.

In conclusion, while cicadas may initially be seen as a nuisance, they play an essential role in the ecosystem and provide various benefits to humans and animals alike. By understanding their behavior and life cycle, we can better appreciate their presence and the role they play in our natural environment.