The natural diet of adult chickadees, finches, grosbeaks and sparrows consists of...

• A. Mostly seeds, insects, and fruits
• B. Insects only
• C. Nectar
• D. Fish and aquatic invertebrates

Answer: (A)

Chickadees, finches, grosbeaks, and sparrows are essentially seed-eating songbirds, with insects and fruits providing important supplements. Their bills are well adapted for cracking seeds, which forms the main portion of their diet for energy and daily needs. Insects supply protein, especially during the breeding season when adults raise young, so these birds also rely on insect forage. Fruits add variety and nutrients, particularly when seeds are less abundant. Nectar isn’t a typical staple for these groups, and they don’t rely on fish or aquatic invertebrates. So the natural adult diet is best described as mostly seeds, insects, and fruits.