Birds

what birds eat wasps


What Birds Eat Wasps?

Wasps are considered pests by many people, but when it comes to birds, wasps are seen as a potential food source. A wide variety of bird species eat wasps and incorporating them into their diets.

Types of Wasps Eaten by Birds

Most of the wasps eaten by birds are considered social wasps, meaning they live in colonies and can often be found in and around human habitations. Common wasps eaten by birds include paper wasps, yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets, and other stinging wasps. Birds that eat wasps typically do so for the nutritious protein found in the wasp’s body.

What Birds Eat Wasps?

Many bird species incorporate wasps as part of their diet. For example, swallows will often swoop over a wasp nest, scooping out wasps as they attempt to flee. Woodpeckers and nuthatches, as well as other tree-dwellers, will also feast on wasps when they find a nest. Other bird species that are known to occasionally dine on wasps include:

  • Flycatchers: These birds will pluck wasps from the air as they fly.
  • Mockingbirds: These birds will also eat flying wasps.
  • Crows: Like some of the other birds on this list, crows use their intelligence to find wasp nests and feast on their inhabitants.
  • Thrushes: Thrushes can claim wasps from the air, or pluck them from trees and the ground.
  • Owls: Owls are one of the few birds that have talons strong enough to grip onto larger wasps, such as hornets.

Other Wasp Eating Creatures

In addition to birds, many other creatures may also include wasps in their diet. Predatory insects like spiders, dragonflies and damselflies are all known to eat wasps. In addition, some amphibians and reptiles, such as frogs, lizards and turtles, are also known to eat wasps.

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