Book 31, Question 65 · Video
What do baby birds eat?
Even birds that eat seeds as adults usually feed their chicks soft insects, caterpillars, or spiders. Insects are packed with protein, which helps baby birds grow quickly. A single family of chickadees may need thousands of caterpillars before the chicks can fly. This is one reason gardens with many native plants and bugs help birds raise healthy families.
Read the full answer →Watch on YouTubeSee the series on Amazon
What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What do baby birds eat?
The Big Idea
Baby birds are always hungry! But what do they eat? It might surprise you.
Soft Insects
Step one: Soft Insects. Even birds that eat seeds as adults usually feed their chicks soft insects, caterpillars, or spiders. Insects are packed with protein.
Growing Fast
Step two: Growing Fast. Protein helps baby birds grow quickly. A single family of chickadees may need thousands of caterpillars before the chicks can fly.
Garden Help
Step three: Garden Help. Gardens with many native plants have lots of bugs. That's one reason they help birds raise healthy families.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Soft food. More food. For growing. Home to bugs.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Pigeons are different. They feed their chicks a milk-like food from the crop. Chickadee families may need thousands of caterpillars. Insects have lots of protein. Native plants help birds.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, watch a small patch of garden for 10 minutes. Count how many different insects you see. Look, but don't touch or disturb them. Imagine feeding a chick with them. Wash your hands when you come inside.
Outro
Even seed-eating birds usually feed their chicks soft insects, caterpillars, and spiders packed with protein. A chickadee family may need thousands of caterpillars, so gardens with native plants and bugs really help. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!