From Bluebirds to Barn Swallows: Nature’s Mosquito Fighters

Mosquitoes are among the most irritating pests. In addition to their annoying bites, which can leave you very itchy, some are also vectors for deadly viruses. Fortunately, many birds eat mosquitoes, and some consume them in large quantities. If you prefer your outdoor spaces to be mosquito-free, continue reading to discover six birds that are mosquito-eating fiends and how to attract them to your yard.

Barn Swallow

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is the most widely distributed swallow species in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. Barn swallows breed throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere and overwinter primarily in South America, southern Africa, and parts of southern Asia. Their name comes from their tendency to build their nests in structures like barns. They sport sharp blue and white underparts, a blue back and tail, and reddish-brown forehead, chin, and throat. In addition to mosquitoes, they also eat other winged insects. Attract these mosquito eaters to your yard with a water source for mud needed for nest building, and suitable nesting sites like shelves or nest cups on buildings.

Eastern Phoebe

The Eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)is a small songbird whose name, Phoebe, refers to the Roman moon-goddess Diana, as well as the sound of its vocalizations. Eastern phoebes spend their summers in eastern Canada and the United States. As the weather changes, they migrate south to overwinter in the southern U.S. and Mexico. Eastern phoebes build cup nests in woodlands, urban areas, and open areas, particularly near sources of water. In addition to mosquitoes, they eat a wide variety of other insects. Placing nesting shelves in your eaves helps attract phoebes.

Purple Martin

The largest swallow in North America, the purple martin (Progne subis), belongs to the same family (Hirundinidae) as the barn swallow. Its name is derived from its dark blackish-blue color, which looks purple in certain light. During summer, Purple Martins primarily breed throughout the eastern and central United States and southern Canada, with smaller, scattered populations in the southwest and Mexico. They overwinter in South America. They build their nests in cavities, either in birdhouses, gourds, or inside hollowed-out trees. Their diet includes mosquitoes, as well as other insects, especially bees. Your best chance for attracting purple martins is installing white or light-colored martin houses on poles 12-20 feet tall, and at least 30-40 feet from trees or other obstructions.

Blackpoll Warbler

The blackpoll warbler’s (Setophaga striata) breeding grounds stretch throughout Alaska and most of Canada. They migrate to South America in one of the longest non-stop overwater flights of any songbird. Their name comes from their black and white forehead and crown, as well as their high-pitched vocalizations. Blackpoll warblers feature black and white plumage, with white wing bars and streaky underparts. They tend to live at higher elevations, either in mountainous woodlands or scrubland. Some blackpoll warblers, however, live near coastal areas, tundra, and coniferous forests. Their diet includes mosquitoes as well as webworms, ants, gnats, aphids, spiders, and sawflies. While hunting, they will flit about the branches of trees and hover over the ground until they spot their prey. Yards with a thick canopy will attract these mosquito-eating songbirds to your yard.

Muscovy Duck

The Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata), native to Central and South America, is now found in North America as well. In Spanish, they are called pato casero, backyard duck, and pato mudo, meaning mute duck. A large species, Muscovy ducks can measure up to 30 inches long and weigh nearly 15 pounds. Their plumage typically includes black and white feathers, with pink or red wattles around the bill. Muscovy ducks eat a wide variety of foods besides mosquitoes, including grasses, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and crustaceans. Besides purchasing domestic Muscovy ducks, try attracting these birds to your yard with a small pond feature.

Bluebird

The term bluebird refers to one of three species of songbird in the thrush family, Turdidae. Species include the mountain bluebird, Western bluebird, and Eastern bluebird. Each species has a distinct range within North America. Most bluebirds prefer to live in grassland areas with few trees. They build their nests in cavities inside trees or artificial nesting boxes. In addition to mosquitoes, they also eat a large variety of insects and particularly enjoy larvae such as mealworms. Purchasing bluebird boxes and placing them in open areas will help attract these beautiful mosquito eaters to your yard.