BehaviourLow risk
Why Are Birds Digging Up My Lawn?
Quick answer
Birds pecking and digging intensively at a lawn are usually feeding on insects: curl grubs in the soil or armyworm caterpillars in the grass. Ibis, magpies, crows and mynas are common culprits, and bandicoots or brush turkeys may dig too. Check for grubs and caterpillars before blaming the birds, because they are a useful early warning of a lawn pest problem.
Why this happens
Many birds feed on soil and lawn insects. When curl grubs or armyworm build up, the lawn becomes an easy food source and birds return repeatedly to the same areas.
Native animals such as bandicoots also dig small conical holes when hunting grubs. Bandicoots and most native birds are protected wildlife.
What you may be seeing
- Birds feeding in groups on one part of the lawn.
- Small holes, lifted turf or scratched patches.
- Brown areas nearby.
What you can do
- Lift a section of turf where birds are feeding and look for curl grubs.
- Do a soapy-water test for armyworm.
- If pests are present, treat the pest; the birds usually move on once the food source goes.
What not to do
- Do not try to harm or trap protected native birds or animals.
When professional help may be needed
If you confirm a heavy grub or armyworm infestation, a lawn care or pest professional can treat it. Wildlife issues should be managed according to state rules.
Related pest
Species mentioned
Curl Grubs
Scarab beetle larvae (Scarabaeidae)
C-shaped, creamy-white beetle larvae that live in soil and eat grass roots, causing patches of turf that die and lift away like loose carpet.
Lawn Armyworm
Spodoptera mauritia
A moth caterpillar that feeds on grass at night and can turn lawns brown within days, especially in Queensland and northern NSW in late summer and autumn.
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Local information
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Sources & further reading
- Queensland Museum — insects, spiders and animals of Queensland — Queensland Museum
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