If your feeders suddenly seem busier lately, you’re not imagining it.
Late spring and early summer are some of the most active feeding weeks of the entire year because backyard birds aren’t just feeding themselves anymore. Many are feeding hungry babies too.
And one food tends to disappear especially fast this time of year:
Mealworms
Whether you offer dried mealworms on their own or mixed into birdseed, many insect-eating birds absolutely love them during nesting and fledgling season.
Some birds will even pick through a seed blend just to grab the mealworms first.
Watch Bluebirds Picking Mealworms Out of Seed
One of our customers recently sent us this adorable backyard moment of bluebirds digging through the seed mix to find the mealworms first. It perfectly captures what many birdwatchers notice this time of year: birds are actively looking for extra protein during baby bird season.
Click here to see the video from Philip's backyard in Pensacola
Why Birds Need More Protein in Summer
Baby birds grow incredibly fast.
Parent birds spend most of their day:
- gathering food
- feeding nestlings
- feeding fledglings learning to fly
- rebuilding their own energy after nesting
During this season, many birds naturally search for:
- insects
- caterpillars
- beetles
- spiders
- protein-rich foods
Mealworms help mimic that natural food source.
That’s one reason they become especially attractive during summer feeding season.
What Birds Eat Mealworms?
Many common backyard birds enjoy mealworms, including:
- Bluebirds
- Carolina Wrens
- Chickadees
- Titmice
- Nuthatches
- Robins
- Thrushes
- Phoebes
- Woodpeckers
One of my personal favorite birds is the Eastern Phoebe. I currently have one nesting right above my porch light, and they’re wonderful insect hunters to watch this time of year.
Do Bluebirds Eat Dried Mealworms?
Yes. Many bluebirds readily eat dried mealworms, especially during nesting and fledgling season when they need extra protein for growing babies.
Some birdwatchers are surprised by how quickly bluebirds recognize them as food once they discover them at a feeder.
Dried vs. Live Mealworms for Birds
Many backyard birdwatchers successfully use dried mealworms.
You can:
- offer them in a separate feeder
- mix them into birdseed
- place a small amount on a platform feeder
- briefly soak them in water before serving
Bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, and titmice often catch on quickly.
A Helpful Tip for Summer Bird Feeding
During hot weather, many birdwatchers prefer:
- smaller seed pieces
- no-waste blends
- easy-to-eat foods
- higher-protein ingredients
These can be especially helpful for parent birds feeding young fledglings while also reducing mess underneath feeders.
That’s one reason we created our limited-run Summer Feeding Season Blend. It includes dried mealworms along with sunflower chips, peanut hearts, and other easy-to-eat ingredients birds tend to use heavily during nesting season.
Don’t Forget Water During Summer
Fresh water can completely transform your backyard during summer.
A shallow birdbath, dripper, or simple dish of clean water can attract:
- birds cooling off
- fledglings learning to bathe
- exhausted parent birds stopping for a drink
During extreme heat, water can sometimes become even more important than seed.
One of the Best Times to Watch Birds
There’s something especially lively about backyard birdwatching in early summer.
You may notice:
- scruffy-looking parent birds
- babies fluttering and begging for food
- birds carrying insects constantly
- more feeder activity early and late in the day
It’s one of the most fascinating seasons to pay attention to your backyard.
And once you start noticing it, you’ll see it everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mealworms for Birds
What birds eat mealworms?
Bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, titmice, robins, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and phoebes are all known to enjoy mealworms.
Are dried mealworms good for birds?
Dried mealworms are a high-protein food source many insect-eating birds enjoy, especially during spring and summer nesting season.
Should I soak dried mealworms?
Some birdwatchers soak dried mealworms briefly in water to soften them, especially during hot weather or fledgling season.
Why are birds eating more mealworms right now?
Late spring and early summer are nesting and fledgling season for many backyard birds. Parent birds are actively searching for protein-rich foods to feed growing babies.
Can I mix mealworms into birdseed?
Yes. Many birdwatchers mix dried mealworms into seed blends to attract bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, and other insect-loving birds.
If you’d like to give your backyard birds a little extra support during nesting season, you can browse our Summer Feeding Collection here.