Many of our woodland and garden birds have needle-like bills that enable them to pick insects with precision. During spells of good weather they can be seen spiralling higher and higher, as they chase insects raised on thermals they hawk low over waterbodies when water insects emerge during summer storms. The weather's effect on insects has a noticeable effect on the behaviour of swifts, swallows and martins. Nightjars have sensitive bristles, like cats' whiskers, that help them to locate prey, and are also thought to help funnel the moths, flies and beetles into their mouths and away from their eyes. All are excellent fliers, with wide gaping mouths that help them sweep up the hapless prey. Nightjars, swifts and house martins catch insects on the wing. Some birds are specialist invertebrate feeders. Insects are vital for the diets of most breeding birds and their chicks in particular. Worms are probably not your shopping list this week, although edible invertebrates are popular in many parts of the world, and an essential part of the diet of most birds.ĭespite their unpalatable appearance, not all invertebrates are poisonous, and they are a good source of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
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