Baby birds primarily eat a diet rich in protein to support their rapid growth and development. Most baby birds are fed mainly insects by their parents, as insects provide the necessary energy, protein, and fat they need. Common insect foods include caterpillars, ants, mealworms, crickets, and other soft- bodied invertebrates like larvae and worms

. In addition to insects, baby birds may also consume some fruits, seeds, and vegetables depending on their species. For example, omnivorous baby birds eat a mix of insects, fruits (such as berries and chopped grapes), and seeds. Granivorous baby birds, like finches and pigeons, eat mostly seeds and grains, often softened or partially digested by the parents before feeding

. Some species have specialized diets:

• Carnivorous baby birds (hawks, eagles) eat small pieces of meat and boiled eggs for protein and fat

• Nectar-eating birds like hummingbirds consume regurgitated nectar mixed with small insects

• Herbivorous birds (parrots, pigeons) eat seeds, fruits, and vegetation

Parents often regurgitate food to soften it before feeding it to their young

. Baby birds are typically fed by their parents for about 2.5 to 4 weeks, though this varies by species

. In summary, baby birds mostly eat insects supplemented by fruits, seeds, or meat depending on their species, with insects being the crucial component for most species' young to ensure proper growth and development