If you’ve ever asked yourself what do mockingbirds eat, the answer might surprise you. These resourceful birds have a wide-ranging diet that changes with the seasons. In warm months, they hunt insects like ants, wasps, and grasshoppers in grassy yards and wooded patches. Come winter, mockingbirds turn to fruits and berries—including favorites like holly, honeysuckle, and even invasive multiflora rose. This flexible diet helps them thrive in both wild and suburban landscapes.
In the Landscape: What Do Mockingbirds Eat in Their Natural Habitat?
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. Mockingbirds love hollies in winter—here’s why.
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.
Got Mockingbird Questions? Let’s Clear ’Em Up
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.
So, what do mockingbirds eat? Just about everything from insects and snails to berries and backyard fruits. Give them the right mix of food, water, and space—and they might just make your yard their new favorite stop.
What fruits do mockingbirds eat?
Mockingbirds enjoy a wide variety of fruits, both wild and store-bought. In nature, they snack on berries like honeysuckle, redcedar, and multiflora rose. At backyard feeders, you can offer grapes, apple slices, raisins, bananas, and even oranges.
These sweet treats are some of the best food for mockingbirds—especially in winter, when bugs are scarce. Fruit is a favorite form of mockingbird food, and offering it regularly is a simple way to keep them visiting your yard.
Do mockingbirds eat peanuts or suet?
Yes, mockingbirds will eat both peanuts and suet, especially when they’re offered in the right way. While they typically ignore seeds and grains, they’re drawn to peanut kernels and soft suet—especially when placed on a low platform feeder or a window shelf. Suet mixed with peanut butter is a favorite in colder months. If you're feeding mockingbirds in winter, this combo is one of the best food options to keep them fueled and coming back.
Do mockingbirds eat seeds, bread, or lizards?
Mockingbirds are opportunistic feeders with a diet that shifts with the seasons.
Seeds: While not their primary choice, mockingbirds may consume seeds, especially during colder months when insects are scarce. However, they generally prefer fruits and insects over seeds.
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Bread: Feeding bread to mockingbirds—or any wild birds—is discouraged. Bread lacks essential nutrients and can lead to health issues like malnutrition or deformities such as "angel wing." It's best to offer natural food sources that meet their dietary needs.
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Lizards: Occasionally, mockingbirds will eat small lizards, particularly when other food sources are limited. This behavior is more common in certain regions and during specific times of the year.
In summary, while mockingbirds have a varied diet, it's important to provide them with appropriate and nutritious food options to support their health and well-being.
What should I avoid feeding mockingbirds?
Feeding mockingbirds is a great way to enjoy their visits—but not everything from your kitchen belongs on the menu. Skip anything salty, sugary, or processed. That includes chips, cookies, and especially anything with caffeine or chocolate.
Bread may seem harmless, but it offers little nutrition and can lead to health issues over time. Also avoid milk, raw meat, and fruit pits like apple seeds—they're part of what not to feed mockingbirds. For safe, natural mockingbird food, stick to things like fruits, insects, suet, and mealworms. If you're ever unsure, nature usually has the best answer.
When and where do mockingbirds feed?
Mockingbirds feed throughout the day, switching up their diet with the seasons.
In spring and summer, they’re out early chasing insects in grassy areas and gardens. When fall and winter roll in, they turn to fruits and berries—often plucking them straight from shrubs like holly or redcedar. You’ll spot them feeding on the ground, in bushes, or perched on fences scouting for a snack.
Want to know how to attract mockingbirds? Set out fruit on a low platform or window shelf. The best mockingbird feeders are simple, open, and easy for these birds to land on and defend.
