Snakes going after baby birds is a common concern for many bird lovers and homeowners who want to protect nests in their yards or on their property. While adult birds can often escape or fend off snake attacks, baby birds in the nest are vulnerable. Understanding when and why snakes may target baby birds can help people take preventative measures to protect nests during breeding season.
Do Snakes Eat Baby Birds?
Yes, snakes do sometimes eat baby birds. Snakes are opportunistic predators, meaning they will eat what is readily available. Baby birds in a nest or that have fallen out of a nest are easy targets for snakes. Some snakes may specifically seek out baby birds or raid nests, while others may only eat a baby bird if they happen to come across one. Species of snakes known to eat baby birds include:
– Rat snakes
– Kingsnakes
– Milk snakes
– Garter snakes
– Black racers
– Water snakes
– Bullsnakes
– Pine snakes
Not all snakes eat birds, but these species do have baby birds as part of their natural diets. Snakes that climb very well, like rat snakes, are the most likely to take birds directly from the nest. Ground-dwelling snakes, like garter snakes, may eat fallen nestlings. Larger constrictor snakes can also eat whole baby birds and bird eggs.
Why Do Snakes Eat Baby Birds?
There are a few reasons why snakes may eat baby birds when given the opportunity:
Easy prey
Baby birds are vulnerable prey for snakes. Nestlings have no way to escape the nest if a snake comes along. Fledglings that have fallen or fluttered out of the nest are prone on the ground, unable to fly away. Snakes are opportunistic and will eat easy prey.
Nutritional value
Baby birds provide nutrients to snakes. They are high in protein and fat, providing substantial calories. The nutritional value makes baby birds worthwhile prey.
Availability
When birds are breeding, there are simply more young birds available in the environment for snakes to potentially eat. More baby birds mean more opportunity.
Nest-raiding
Some snakes, like rat snakes, are adept climbers and will raid nests for eggs and baby birds. The abundance of prey concentrated in one place attracts these snakes.
Do Snakes Target Certain Baby Birds?
Snakes eat a variety of baby birds, but some types of nests, locations, and species may be more targeted than others.
Ground and cavity nests
Baby birds in nests on the ground or in cavities are easier for snakes to access than high tree nests. Ground-nesting birds like quail, pheasant, and killdeer and cavity nesters like bluebirds, swallows, chickadees, and woodpeckers are more vulnerable.
Edge habitat nests
Birds that nest along habitat edges like woodland borders, hedgerows, and gardens are more exposed to snakes. These transitional areas between habitats tend to have higher snake populations.
Songbirds
Small songbirds are frequent targets. Snakes can swallow hatchlings and smaller nestlings whole. Songbirds also tend to have greater numbers of babies per clutch, meaning more potential prey in each nest.
Colonial nesters
Colonial nesting birds like blackbirds, herons, and gulls that nest in large groups are vulnerable since snakes can find multiple nests and eggs/chicks concentrated together.
Do Snakes Eat Eggs?
Yes, snakes also eat bird eggs. Rat snakes in particular are known for raiding nests and eating eggs. The protein and nutrients in the egg make an excellent meal for snakes, and eggs cannot escape like baby birds might. Some snakes may eat the adult bird sitting on the nest as well as the eggs. Larger constricting snakes like the black racer and milk snake can swallow eggs whole.
Snakes known to eat eggs:
– Rat snakes
– Kingsnakes
– Racers
– Bullsnakes
– Fox snakes
– Gopher snakes
– Milk snakes
Not all snakes eat eggs, but for opportunistic nest-raiding species, eggs are a nutritious source of food.
Protecting Baby Birds and Nests from Snakes
If you are hoping to protect baby birds or eggs from snakes on your property, there are some methods you can try:
Remove hiding spots
Eliminate areas where snakes can hide and nest near bird habitats. Keep grass trimmed, remove brush piles and debris, and minimize ground clutter. This gives snakes fewer places to ambush from.
Use predators
Certain animals that prey on snakes can be encouraged. Raptors, herons, and crows will hunt snakes. Venomous snake-eating snakes can also be attracted. Create perches to attract predatory birds. Putting out a barn owl box or keeping crows safe from harm can allow them to reduce snakes.
Block access
If snakes are climbing to access nests, trim branches back from nests or install snake-excluding panels around supporting trunks or poles. Close up any cavities or openings to prevent snakes from entering nest boxes.
Use deterrents
Sprinkling sand, crushed eggshells, cayenne pepper, or diatomaceous earth around nests can irritate snakes and act as a deterrent. Mothballs or ammonia-soaked rags also deter snakes with strong odors. Just be sure any deterrents are kept away from direct contact with the nest.
Control rodents
Rodents attract snakes who want to eat them. Getting rid of rodent populations takes away one food source to reduce snakes. Traps, keeping food contained, and sealing openings in buildings helps control rodents.
Relocate nests
If snakes are persistent, move threatened nests to more protected locations off the ground. Hang nest boxes on poles with predator guards or place nests higher up out of reach. Monitor relocated nests for snake activity.
Conclusion
Snakes do prey on baby birds and eggs opportunistically. Species like rat snakes, kingsnakes, racers, and milk snakes frequently take advantage of vulnerable nestlings and eggs. Ground and cavity nesting songbirds are often targeted. While not all snakes eat birds, it is a common part of their diet. Homeowners can take steps to protect nests by eliminating snake hiding spots, encouraging predators, blocking access, using deterrents, controlling rodents, and relocating threatened nests. Awareness of the threat allows people to implement measures to give baby birds and eggs a better chance at surviving during nesting season. With some simple proactive steps, baby birds can be protected from snakes.
Snake | Primary Habitat | Bird Hunting Notes |
---|---|---|
Rat snake | Woodlands, barns, urban areas | Frequently climbs to raid nests of eggs and nestlings |
Kingsnake | Prairies, fields, brush | Opportunistically takes eggs and nestlings |
Milk snake | Forests, fields, farms | Eats eggs and nestlings, may raid nests |
Garter snake | Wetlands, meadows, yards | Eats fallen nestlings, roams for prey |
Racer | Forest edges, shrublands, wetlands | Takes nestling songbirds and eggs |
Water snake | Streams, ponds, marshes | Eats aquatic bird nestlings and eggs |
Bullsnake | Open country, prairies, badlands | Eats ground-nesting bird eggs and young |
Pine snake | Pine forests, sandy woods | Takes eggs and nestlings opportunistically |
Frequently Asked Questions
What snakes eat the most baby birds?
Rat snakes eat baby birds more than any other species. They are adept climbers and frequently raid nests. Kingsnakes, racers, milk snakes, and garter snakes also commonly eat nestlings and eggs.
Do black snakes eat baby birds?
Yes, black racers eat baby birds often. They climb to access nests and consume eggs, nestlings, and fledglings. Their agile climbing makes them a major nest predator.
Will a snake eat an entire nest of baby birds?
Snakes are capable of eating all the babies in a nest if the clutch is small and the snakes large enough. Rat snakes in particular may wipe out whole nests of eggs and babies. They consume multiple eggs or nestlings in one sitting.
What stops snakes from climbing to bird nests?
Sheet metal predator guards wrapped around the nest support pole or trunk can prevent snakes from climbing. Trimming back branches also removes access. Sticky repellents on poles and sprinkling irritants like sand or crushed shells may deter snakes as well.
Do black snakes eat bird eggs?
Yes, black racers often raid bird nests and consume eggs. Their climbing ability allows them to access a variety of nest types and eat the contents. Chicken coops are also frequently raided.
Key Takeaways
- Snakes like rat snakes, kingsnakes, and racers prey on baby birds opportunistically.
- Ground, cavity, and edge nesters are most vulnerable to snakes.
- Eggs are also eaten by snakes, especially rat snakes.
- Removal of hiding spots, predator encouragement, access blocking, deterrents, relocation, and rodent control can protect bird nests.
- Awareness of the threat allows specific preventative measures to be taken.