Insectivore Birds Natural Diet are the following:
Ground Insects – Termites, Beetles, Ants.
Winged Insects – Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths
Foliage Insects – Scale, Bugs, Aphids, Insect Larvae, Spiders, Caterpillars, Crickets & Worms.
All these birds eat insects and bugs which contain meat (protein), cereal and grain extracts (carbohydrates) and other minerals. Some will eat mice and small animals/reptiles or pick at animal carcasses.
The ratio of 60% protein, 40% carbohydrate is a good balance for their diet.
A healthy treat for any feathered friend in the backyard is not bread!! As it can cause birth defects in nestlings. As well as Plain Mince Meat, as it is too high in Phosphates, which leaches Calcium.
The best treat for them is mince meat mixed in with Insectivore Mix. .
The easiest way to recognise Insectivore birds is by the shape of the beak. They have a pointed beak that is straight.
The different types of feeding are: (please press on the link to go to the different feeding types).
Scientific Name: Gymnorhina tibicen
Lifespan: up to 20 years
Weight: 317 g
Length: 36-44 cm in length
Clutch Size: 2-5
Appearance:
The male Australian Magpie has the shoulder, nape and upper tail that is black whereas the female has them in grey, otherwise the reminder of the body has black feathers.
Call:
A flute-like song, usually performed as a group or a duet.
Distribution:
All around Australia, where there is a blend of trees and open area. They are not found in deserts or dense forests.
Diet:
Magpies feed on insects and larvae on the ground.
Scientific Name: Grallina cyanoleuca
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Weight: 92g
Length:26-30 cm
Clutch Size: 3-5
Appearance:
It is a small black and white bird, that has a thin white bill and pale irises. The male Magpie Lark has a white eye-brow with a black face, compared to the female who has an all white face. The young Magpie Lark has a black forehead, white eyebrow and throat.
Call:
‘Pee-o-wit’ or ‘pee-wee’ sound that is done in a duet.
Distribution:
All around Australia except for the rainforests and desert.
Diet:
They usually are found hunting on the ground for larvae, insects, earthworms or freshwater invertebrates.
- Many birds, including species of gulls, raptors and ducks, undergo a change in eye colour as they age from juvenile to adult. This is likely an adaptation that helps these birds recognise maturity and therefore suitability of a potential mate.
- Magpies can recognise themselves in mirror compared to other birds
- The Australian Magpie has one of the world’s most complex bird songs.
