Which specific arthropods are highlighted as substantial prey items in the White-crowned Sparrow's insect diet during nesting?

Grasshoppers and Crickets

The arthropod component of the White-crowned Sparrow's diet, which peaks from approximately May through July, includes a varied list of invertebrates, selected for their nutritional yield and availability. While beetles, spiders, and caterpillars are noted staples, grasshoppers and crickets are specifically recognized as larger prey items. The significance of targeting creatures like grasshoppers and crickets lies in the substantial energy return they offer relative to the effort expended in capture. This contrasts with softer targets like caterpillars, which are favored for easy digestion by very young birds, or spiders, which serve as a high-protein staple. The inclusion of these larger, sturdier insects helps meet the increased energy demands of the breeding adults and the rapidly growing fledglings.