Birds occupy diverse niches within global ecosystems. These feathered creatures are an integral part of many food webs, frequently serving as prey for other animals. Birds, from eggs and nestlings to adults, are targeted by a wide array of predators across different habitats, from the skies to the waters.
Predators from the Air
Many birds face threats from other avian species, particularly raptors. These birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons, possess adaptations for capturing other birds. They feature powerful talons for grasping prey, sharp, hooked beaks for tearing flesh, and exceptional eyesight for spotting targets from a distance, even while in flight. The Peregrine Falcon is known for its speed, diving to strike down other birds in mid-air. Cooper’s Hawks are agile hunters that pursue smaller songbirds through dense vegetation. Owls, such as the Great Horned Owl, are nocturnal predators, using acute hearing and silent flight to ambush roosting birds.
Beyond raptors, some opportunistic birds also prey on smaller birds, eggs, or nestlings. Larger gulls, like the Great Black-backed Gull, raid seabird colonies, consuming eggs and chicks. Corvids, a family that includes crows and ravens, are intelligent and adaptable predators. The American Crow, for example, frequently preys on the eggs and young of various bird species. Shrikes, sometimes called “butcher birds,” are smaller predatory passerines that impale their prey, including small birds, on thorns or barbed wire fences.
Predators on Land
On land, a diverse array of animals threatens bird populations. Mammalian predators are widespread and impactful. Domestic cats are efficient hunters that prey on a wide range of bird species, even when well-fed. Wild carnivores such as foxes, including the Red Fox, ambush birds and raid nests for eggs and young. Coyotes also target ground-nesting birds and their offspring.
Other mammalian predators include raccoons, opportunistic omnivores known for raiding bird nests, especially those located in trees or shrubs. Weasels and martens, slender and agile mustelids, can access tree cavities and dense undergrowth to prey on nesting birds and their chicks. These mammals employ stealth and a keen sense of smell to locate their avian prey.
Reptiles also prey on birds, particularly snakes. Many snake species, such as the Common Kingsnake, are skilled climbers that ascend trees to access bird nests, consuming eggs and nestlings. Larger lizards, in certain habitats, may also prey on small birds or fledglings. Even some amphibians, like the American Bullfrog, can consume small birds or newly fledged chicks if they venture too close to the water’s edge or are small enough to be swallowed.
Predators in Water
Aquatic and semi-aquatic predators threaten birds, especially waterfowl and those frequenting riparian habitats. Large fish species capture birds from the surface or just below. For example, the Northern Pike, a formidable freshwater predator, is known to snatch ducklings and other small water birds. Largemouth Bass and various catfish species can also opportunistically prey on small birds or fledglings that fall into the water.
In warmer regions, crocodilians prey on birds. American Alligators and various crocodile species are ambush predators that lie submerged near the water’s edge. They will suddenly lunge to seize birds that come to drink, forage, or swim on the surface. These reptiles possess immense bite force and can overpower even larger birds.
Snapping turtles, such as the Common Snapping Turtle, are aquatic predators that consume birds. These turtles lie camouflaged at the bottom of ponds or slow-moving water bodies. They can quickly extend their necks to capture unsuspecting birds that swim or wade nearby, pulling them underwater.