What Birds Eat Mosquitoes? [10 Beneficial Species to Backyard]

Sharing is caring!

Beneficial birds that eat mosquitoes are becoming more popular in suburban and urban areas.

These beautiful birds not only help control the mosquito population, but they also add color and song to your backyard.

There are a few different types of birds that eat mosquitoes, so you can choose the best one for your needs.

So if you’re looking for a way to get rid of mosquitoes and enjoy some beautiful birds at the same time, consider adding one or more of these beneficial bird species to your backyard habitat.

READ MORE: Bird Water Feeder DIY to Make at Home

10 Birds That Eat Mosquitoes

1. Woodpecker

black and white Woodpecker

Woodpeckers are found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. These birds use their long beaks to peck at tree bark, looking for insects to eat. [1]

Woodpeckers are particularly fond of mosquito larvae, which they often find hiding under the bark. In addition to woodpeckers, many other types of birds also eat mosquitoes.

2. Eastern Kingbird

Eastern Kingbird

These birds are found in wooded areas throughout the eastern United States, and they typically eat insects like flies, beetles, and – you guessed it – mosquitoes.

In fact, a single eastern Kingbird can eat hundreds of mosquitoes in one day! While they’re not known for being particularly friendly to humans, these little guys can certainly help to keep your backyard mosquito population under control.

CHECK: Animals That Eat Birds

3. Purple Martin

If you’re looking for a bird that will help you keep the mosquito population down, you can’t do better than the Purple Martin.

These insect-eating birds are voracious consumers of mosquitoes, and they’ll also go after other nuisance insects like flies and wasps.

Check out this quick video!

4. Blackpoll Warber

The Blackpoll Warbler is a small bird that is found in wooded areas across North America. These plucky little birds are known for their distinctive black-and-white plumage, as well as their melodious song.

However, Blackpoll Warblers are also important members of the ecosystem because they help to control the mosquito population.

These birds eat large numbers of mosquitoes, particularly during the summer months when the insects are most active.

As a result, Blackpoll Warblers play an important role in keeping mosquito populations under control and helping to protect people from disease.

Check out this cool video.

5. Chipping Sparrow

If you’re looking for a bird that will help keep the mosquito population under control, the Chipping Sparrow is a good choice.

These sparrows primarily eat insects, and mosquitoes are one of their favorite meals. In addition to eating mosquitoes, Chipping Sparrows also help to control other pests, such as aphids and caterpillars.

As a result, these birds can be a valuable asset to any garden or backyard. In addition to being helpful pest-control agents, Chipping Sparrows are also attractive birds.

They have pale brown plumage with dark streaks, and their song is a series of trills and chirps. If you’re looking for a bird that is both beautiful and useful, the Chipping Sparrow is a great choice.

6. Eastern Phoebe

Eastern Phoebe bird

This small songbird is found throughout the eastern United States, and it makes its home in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, and suburban areas. [2]

The Phoebe’s diet consists primarily of insects, including mosquitoes. In fact, a single Phoebe can eat dozens of mosquitoes every day.

In addition to controlling the mosquito population, the Phoebe also provides other benefits. Its diligence in eating insects helps to protect other birds from disease, and its cheerful song adds beauty to the landscape.

READ MORE: Birds That Eat Black Oil Sunflower Seed

7. Tree Swallow

The Tree Swallow is a small bird with iridescent blue-green feathers and a long, pointed tail. These birds are found across North America and are common in open woodlands, fields, and marshy areas.

One of the reasons that the Tree Swallow is so successful is its diet. In addition to eating insects such as beetles, flies, and wasps, the Tree Swallow also feeds on mosquitoes.

Learn more information about tree swallows in this video.

8. Northern Cardinal

These pretty red birds eat both adult mosquitoes and their larvae, which helps to reduce the number of these blood-sucking pests.

In addition to being a helpful ally in the fight against mosquitoes, Northern Cardinals are also a popular sight in many gardens and backyards.

These friendly birds are relatively easy to attract to your yard, and they make a beautiful addition to any landscape.

9. Wrens

Wrens bird

Wrens are small, sparrow-like birds with brown and white plumage. They are found in nearly every part of the world, and they are known for their extremely active lifestyle.

In addition to mosquitoes, wrens also eat other insects, such as beetles, moths, and ants. While they typically build their nests in trees, wrens will also nest in shrubs or on the ground.

10. Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole bird

The Baltimore oriole, a member of the blackbird family, is known for its bright plumage and cheerful song.

However, these lively little birds are also voracious insect eaters, and they have been shown to play a significant role in controlling mosquito populations.

Given their ability to devour large numbers of mosquitoes, it is not surprising that these cheerfully-plumed birds are often considered to be Nature’s own mosquito control team.

Conclusion

While there are many ways to reduce the population of mosquitoes in your backyard, one of the most efficient and natural methods is to simply let birds do the work for you.

By providing a bird-friendly environment with plenty of food and water, you can bring these helpful creatures into your yard and enjoy their mosquito-eating benefits all summer long.

woodpecker eating insects on the tree

Have you tried attracting birds to help control mosquitoes in your backyard? Let us know below!

Resources

  • 1. Kingfisher | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants [Internet]. Sandiegozoo.org. 2013. Available from: https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/kingfisher
  • 2. Carnivorous Plants [Internet]. www2.palomar.edu. Available from: https://www2.palomar.edu/users/warmstrong/carnivor.htm
  • 3. Baltimore Oriole Identification, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology [Internet]. www.allaboutbirds.org. Available from: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Baltimore_Oriole/id
Barry Stingmore
Barry Stingmore

Barry Stingmore is a British content writer living in Fuerteventura, Spain. An animal lover at heart, he shares his home with a dog and four rescue cats and has a passion for writing about animals big and small.

Barry loves finding answers to your animal-related questions, the more research involved the better! You can rely on him to find the facts.

Find him on FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND Linkedin
Read his latest ARTICLES.
Find more about him HERE.

Leave a Comment

SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER

NEVER MISS A NEWS OR DISCOUNT