In the landscape:
Mockingbirds live on insects, fruits, and berries in wooded areas. In fact, their partiality to the invasive wild multiflora rose is probably encouraged mockers to extend their range northward in its wake. They love fruits from redcedar, honeysuckle, and holly as well. For those wondering, "what do mocking birds eat," northern mockingbirds eat ants, bees, wasps, and a wide variety of other insects which they find in grassy areas and suburban areas.
At the feeder:
The presence of feeding stations is another reason why mockingbirds have expanded their range northward. In colder regions, they literally keep mockers alive over the winter. In milder climates, interest in feeders varies widely. Some mockingbirds visit regularly, others intermittently or never. They are ground feeders, so they are most likely to visit a platform feeder that is only three to six feet off the ground. Some are comfortable with window shelves. They are not big on grain or seeds but like suet, peanut kernels, and peanut butter. They love fruits such as apple slices, raisins, oranges, grapes, bananas, bread or cake, and cottage cheese. They will eat suet but not from a hanging suet feeder. A source of fresh water is critical to them, and they will use a birdbath for drinking and bathing whether it is on the ground or on a stand. See Yardener’s Toolshed for examples of feeders and food.
Mockingbirds tend to guard their territories jealously.
A matter of survival for them in winter, they will chase perceived intruders of all kinds -- other birds, cats, squirrels, and even people -- from the holly tree or feeder that they have decided is theirs. Do not hang feeders near berry bushes to avoid a regular commotion. Bird feeders should be placed thoughtfully to prevent issues with guarding behavior. Additionally, it's wise to keep an eye out for neighborhood dogs and cats who may also pose a threat to these territorial birds.
Mockingbirds often build their nests with a twig foundation, creating a sturdy structure for their young. Being a bird species that adapts quickly, they have successfully expanded into new territories by leveraging both natural and artificial food sources.
What Do Mockingbirds Eat?
Mockingbirds have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and berries. Their annual diet consists of approximately 50% insects and arthropods, such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, and wasps, especially in the warmer months. During spring and summer, they feed heavily on these insects to meet their protein needs.
The other 50% of their diet is composed of fruits and berries, including redcedar, honeysuckle, and holly. They also consume spiders, snails, earthworms, and occasionally small lizards and crayfish, especially when other food sources are scarce. Mockingbirds are adaptable and can find food in various environments, from wooded areas to suburban gardens.
In residential areas, mockingbirds may also visit feeders for apple slices, raisins, oranges, and grapes. Providing a variety of fruits and fresh water can attract these birds to your yard, especially in winter when natural food sources are limited.
