Captive birds usually consume insects, worms, and even small frogs.
But at rest, birds also consume energy to stay warm in the cool spring weather.
Many other birds (from bluebirds to turkeys) and many mammals also consume them.
Many wild birds consume fruits and, sometimes, vegetables.
The bird mostly consumes fruits and insects, but can also eat other birds' eggs.
Mr. Martin estimated that wading birds consumed 5 to 10 percent of a farm's production.
The plant has few insect or disease problems, however birds and squirrels consume its fruit.
Many birds and rodents consume the fruits of the shrub.
"All birds will consume whole corn," he said.
In particular, red milo is a seed few birds readily consume.