Diet

What do hermit thrushes eat?

Insects in summer; berries in fall and winter.

Thrushes (Turdidae)Hermit ThrushCatharus guttatus

Spring and summer diet

  • Beetles, caterpillars and spiders

Fall and winter diet

  • Dogwood, sumac and poison-ivy fruit

Best feeder foods

  • Raisins
  • Mealworms
  • Suet nuggets

The winter thrush of southern woodlands — visits ground feeding areas and berry-bearing shrubs near cover.

Which feeder works best for hermit thrushes →

Where hermit thrushes need winter food

Frequently asked

What do hermit thrushes eat?

Insects in summer; berries in fall and winter.

What is the best food to feed hermit thrushes?

Raisins, Mealworms, Suet nuggets.

What do hermit thrushes eat in winter?

Dogwood, sumac and poison-ivy fruit.

Sources

  1. Hermit Thrush — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Hermit Thrush life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Hermit Thrush — Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.