The natural diet of adult robins, orioles, cedar waxwings and catbirds consists of...

• A. Nectar
• B. Only seeds
• C. Insects and wild fruits
• D. Fish and amphibians

Answer: (C)

These birds are omnivores that rely on a mix of animal and plant foods. Insects provide the protein and fats birds need, especially during breeding when chicks require lots of energy and growth. Wild fruits supply carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that help sustain them when insects are less abundant, such as in late summer and fall. This combination—insects for protein and wild fruits for energy—best fits the natural diet of adult robins, orioles, cedar waxwings, and catbirds.

Nectar is not their primary food source, even though some orioles may take nectar opportunistically. Seeds alone wouldn’t capture the important animal-protein component these species rely on, and fish or amphibians are not typical foods for these land-dwelling songbirds.