Identification

Perching birds all possess feet with three toes pointing forward and one pointing backward, which allows them to grasp a branch, wire or other perch. They range in size from the 27-inch-long raven to the tiny warblers.

Diet

Most perching birds survive on a diet that includes seeds, berries and insects, but many will have a much broader diet. Such varied foods as carrion, snails, small amphibians, tree sap, flowers, caterpillars, nectar and fruit may all be on a perching bird's menu. The largest perching bird, the raven, is even capable of attacking and ultimately eating prey as large as baby lambs and great blue heron chicks. However, it will settle for insects, seeds, carrion and garbage when it has to.

Specialization

Some birds are known for the ability to pursue, capture and eat one specific kind of food a majority of the time. For example, the flycatchers, a family of perching birds, excel at catching bugs in midair and gobbling them down.

Fun Fact

Some perching birds, like the chickadee, are clever enough to store food such as seeds and then remember where they stashed it weeks later, a significant sign of their intelligence.

Birdfeeders

Many types of perching birds benefit from bird feeding stations that people provide for them, eating such offerings as sunflower seeds, cracked corn, suet and peanut butter. Perching birds often need this human assistance to survive in colder climates, where freezing conditions make finding food difficult at best.

Source:

International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Online

Whatbird.com

All About Birds