Birds have a diverse diet, with some feeding primarily on fruits and seeds, some that eat small vertebrates like fish and small mammals, and some that hunt insects. But, as the saying “the early bird gets the worm” would suggest, there are also birds that eat earthworms. Earthworms are a plentiful resource and offer good nutrition, but they usually take more effort to get than just plucking a berry off a tree. In this article, we look at 12 birds that possess a set of skills and adaptations that allow them to seek out and capture earthworms.
12 Birds That Eat Earthworms
1. American robin
Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
If you ask someone to name a bird that eats earthworms, most people would answer the robin. The American robin is an iconic bird in the U.S. heavily associated with blue eggs, springtime and earthworms. This is likely because they are so comfortable on suburban laws, we have all seen them worm-hunting!
Robins are often spotted hopping across lawns, gardens, and wooded areas, where they search for earthworms. If you watch them, you’ll likely see them both looking at the ground and cocking their heads to the side as if to listen. Researchers believe robins find worms both by using visual cues and by hearing them underground. Once located, robins can use their beak to break into the soil and pull them out.
2. Wild Turkeys
Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo
Turkeys are known for their distinct tail feathers and their popularity as Thanksgiving’s official main course. Turkeys, however, are not known to be picky and will eat just about anything- including earthworms! For these well known birds, earthworms provide an excellent source of protein. Turkeys capitalize on newly turned over earth to peck at and search for earthworms.
They also use their large feet with sharp claws to scratch at the ground looking for acorns, nuts, seeds, beetles and other insects. Even plant matter, snails and salamander’s are on the menu. These expert foragers know how to eat what they can find, and change their diet to match what is available in each season.
3. American woodcock
