Do Birds Eat Cicadas? Yes, Many Bird Species Do

Yes, birds do eat cicadas, and many species actively seek them out during their periodic or annual emergences. Cicadas serve as a rich, protein-packed food source for numerous bird species, particularly during the warm months when these loud, flying insects appear in large numbers. This natural feeding behavior not only benefits birds but also plays a role in regulating cicada populations in forests, gardens, and suburban areas. A common long-tail keyword variation such as 'what birds eat cicadas during Brood X emergence' reflects the public's interest in understanding which avian predators take advantage of this temporary abundance.

Common Bird Species That Eat Cicadas

Several bird species are known to consume cicadas, both as adults and nymphs. Among the most prominent are woodpeckers, blue jays, robins, starlings, grackles, and even some raptors like red-headed woodpeckers and American crows. These birds have adapted to exploit the seasonal availability of cicadas, especially during the dramatic 13- or 17-year life cycle events of periodical cicadas such as Brood X, Brood XIII, and others native to eastern and central North America.

Woodpeckers, with their strong beaks and foraging skills, are particularly effective at digging out cicada nymphs from soil and tree bark. Eastern kingbirds and flycatchers snatch adult cicadas mid-flight, using their aerial agility to catch these clumsy fliers. Robins and grackles often patrol lawns and open fields, picking emerging cicadas off the ground shortly after they molt.

In suburban neighborhoods, homeowners may notice an uptick in bird activity during cicada season—blue jays calling loudly, crows gathering in groups, or mockingbirds perching on fences watching for movement. This increased presence is directly linked to the availability of cicadas as an easy-to-catch, nutrient-rich prey item.

The Biology Behind Cicadas as Bird Food

Cicadas (order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae) are large, plant-sucking insects best known for their loud mating calls and synchronized life cycles. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on xylem sap from tree roots. After 13 or 17 years (for periodical species), or annually (for annual or “dog-day” cicadas), they emerge en masse to molt into adults, reproduce, and die within a few weeks.

This brief window creates a pulse of biomass that many animals, including birds, quickly capitalize on. Adult cicadas are relatively slow-moving and defenseless beyond their sheer numbers and loud noise, making them vulnerable to predation. Their high protein and fat content make them an excellent energy source for breeding birds needing to feed their young.

From a nutritional standpoint, cicadas offer more than just calories. They contain essential amino acids, lipids, and minerals that support feather growth, egg production, and overall health in birds. For example, a nesting robin may rely heavily on cicadas to meet the dietary demands of raising multiple broods in a single season.

Seasonal Timing and Geographic Patterns

The timing of cicada emergence varies by species and region, which directly affects when birds begin consuming them. Periodical cicadas (genus Magicicada ) emerge predictably every 13 or 17 years depending on the brood. Brood X, one of the largest and most widespread, emerges across states like Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, and parts of Tennessee and North Carolina, typically between late May and early July.

Annual cicadas, such as Neotibicen canicularis, appear each summer—usually from mid-July through September—and are commonly heard on hot afternoons. These are often mistaken for periodical cicadas but differ in life cycle and distribution. Birds that remain year-round or migrate into temperate zones during summer will encounter both types and adjust their diets accordingly.

Geographic differences also influence bird-cicada interactions. In southern states like Georgia or Alabama, where warmer temperatures accelerate insect development, cicada activity may start earlier and last longer. Meanwhile, northern regions such as Michigan or New York might see shorter emergence windows, concentrating bird feeding behavior into a tighter timeframe.

How Birds Locate and Capture Cicadas

Birds use a combination of visual, auditory, and behavioral cues to locate cicadas. The loud buzzing and clicking sounds produced by male cicadas trying to attract mates act as a dinner bell for many avian predators. Species like the eastern kingbird or great crested flycatcher have acute hearing and can pinpoint the location of singing males from a distance.

Visually, birds spot molting cicadas clinging to trees, fences, or walls at night. These soft-bodied, pale individuals are especially easy targets before their exoskeletons harden. Some birds, such as crows and jays, exhibit learning behavior—they remember locations where cicadas emerged in previous years and return to those sites when conditions are right.

Hunting techniques vary. Flycatchers perform sallying flights, darting out from perches to grab airborne cicadas. Woodpeckers probe the base of trees and dig into loose soil to unearth nymphs. Ground-foraging birds like robins tilt their heads to listen for subtle movements beneath the surface, then pounce and pull out immature cicadas just before emergence.

Ecological Role of Bird Predation on Cicadas

While cicadas emerge in overwhelming numbers—a strategy known as predator satiation—not all survive to reproduce. Birds play a crucial role in controlling local populations, especially in fragmented habitats where other predators (like snakes or small mammals) may be less abundant.

Predator satiation means that even though birds eat thousands of cicadas, enough individuals survive to ensure successful reproduction and continuation of the species. However, localized bird predation can significantly reduce cicada density in urban parks, residential yards, and forest edges.

This interaction also benefits ecosystems beyond simple population control. By feeding on cicadas, birds transfer nutrients from belowground (where nymphs live) to aboveground food webs. Additionally, reduced cicada numbers can lessen damage to young trees, as female cicadas lay eggs in twigs, sometimes causing branch dieback.

Myths and Misconceptions About Birds and Cicadas

Despite clear evidence that birds eat cicadas, several misconceptions persist. One common myth is that cicadas are toxic or distasteful to birds. While some insects produce defensive chemicals, cicadas are not poisonous. In fact, their lack of toxicity is part of why so many animals—including birds, squirrels, spiders, and reptiles—readily consume them.

Another misconception is that birds avoid cicadas due to their noise. On the contrary, the sound attracts predators rather than repelling them. There’s no scientific basis for the idea that birds are “bothered” by cicada calls; instead, they use the noise to locate prey efficiently.

Some people believe that cicadas harm birds, but there is no evidence of this. Cicadas do not bite or sting defensively, and their mouthparts are designed for sucking plant fluids, not attacking animals. Birds safely consume them whole, often beating larger ones against branches to subdue them before swallowing.

Tips for Observing Birds Eating Cicadas

If you're interested in witnessing this fascinating ecological interaction firsthand, here are practical tips for observing birds feeding on cicadas:

• Visit wooded areas during peak emergence: Look for deciduous forests, parks, or tree-lined neighborhoods during late spring to midsummer, depending on your region.
• Listen for bird activity: Increased calling, mobbing behavior, or repeated diving flights may indicate birds hunting cicadas.
\li>Watch tree trunks and low branches: Check for woodpeckers probing bark or jays pulling insects off surfaces.
• Use binoculars: A good pair of binoculars allows you to observe feeding behavior without disturbing the birds.
• Observe at dawn and dusk: Many birds are most active during these times, and cicadas often emerge at night, making them accessible to early-morning foragers.

Photographers and citizen scientists can contribute valuable data by documenting bird-cicada interactions through platforms like eBird or iNaturalist. Recording which species are feeding, where, and when helps researchers understand broader ecological patterns.

Regional Differences in Bird-Cicada Dynamics

The relationship between birds and cicadas varies across regions due to differences in climate, habitat, and species composition. In the eastern U.S., where periodical cicadas dominate, bird responses tend to be intense but short-lived. Studies have shown temporary increases in nest success among certain bird species during cicada years due to improved food availability.

In contrast, western states host fewer periodical cicadas but have diverse annual species. Here, resident birds like scrub jays and nuthatches may incorporate cicadas into their regular summer diet without dramatic shifts in behavior.

Urban versus rural settings also affect this dynamic. In cities, where insect diversity may be lower and bird communities dominated by generalists like pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows, cicadas represent a rare high-quality food source. As a result, urban birds may show heightened interest compared to their rural counterparts who have access to a wider range of prey.

Bird Species	Feeding Method	Cicada Life Stage Consumed	Region Commonly Observed
Eastern Bluebird	Ground foraging	Adult, newly emerged	Eastern United States
Red-Bellied Woodpecker	Bark probing, digging	Nymph, adult	Eastern & Central U.S.
American Robin	Lawn hunting	Nymph, teneral adult	Contiguous U.S.
Great Crested Flycatcher	Aerial sallying	Adult (flying)	Eastern Woodlands
American Crow	Omnivorous scavenging	All stages	Nationwide

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of birds eat cicadas?

Many species including blue jays, robins, woodpeckers, crows, grackles, and flycatchers regularly eat cicadas, especially during emergence seasons.

Do birds help control cicada populations?

Yes, birds contribute to regulating local cicada numbers, although mass emergences ensure enough survive to reproduce.

Are cicadas harmful to birds?

No, cicadas are not harmful to birds. They are safe and nutritious prey with no venom or defensive toxins.

When are birds most likely to eat cicadas?

Birds feed on cicadas primarily during the day in late spring and summer, especially during the first few weeks after emergence.

Can I attract birds that eat cicadas to my yard?

Yes. Providing native trees, water sources, and avoiding pesticides encourages bird species that naturally prey on cicadas.

Understanding whether birds eat cicadas reveals much about ecosystem dynamics, seasonal food webs, and the adaptability of avian foragers. Whether you're a birder, gardener, or nature enthusiast, recognizing this interaction enriches your appreciation of the natural world. With proper observation and awareness, anyone can witness this remarkable example of predator-prey relationships in action.