Birds nests can be eaten by a variety of animals, depending on the type of nest, where it is located, and what species are present in the local ecosystem. In general, the main animals that eat bird nests are predators looking for an easy meal of eggs or chicks. However, some animals may also eat abandoned nests for the nutritional content or as part of their natural foraging behavior.
Mammals That Eat Bird Nests
Some of the most common mammalian predators of bird nests include:
- Raccoons – Known to raid nests and eat eggs and chicks. Can reach nests in trees, shrubs, and man-made structures.
- Opossums – Often eat eggs and nestlings. Their ability to climb helps them access nests.
- Foxes – Foxes are able to climb or jump to access nests. They are opportunistic predators.
- Cats – Both domestic cats and wild cats like bobcats can be significant nest predators.
- Rodents – Some rodents like rats and mice may eat eggs or nestlings.
- Squirrels – Sometimes eat eggs and embryos from the nests of smaller songbirds.
- Primates – Monkeys and apes sometimes raid nests for eggs or nestlings.
- Bears – Bears will climb trees to get bird nests, although this is rarer.
These mammals are able to access a variety of nest sites to find eggs and chicks to eat. Their ability to climb or jump helps them reach tree nests, while some are small enough to sneak into nests on the ground or in shrubs. Larger mammals like raccoons are notorious nest raiders and can cause significant declines in breeding success for local bird populations.
Reptiles That Prey on Bird Nests
Reptiles are also major nest predators in many habitats. Some reptiles that commonly eat eggs and chicks from bird nests include:
- Snakes – Many species of snakes eat eggs and nestlings. They can climb into trees and shrubs.
- Lizards – Monitor lizards are especially known to raid nests in trees as well as on the ground.
- Turtles – Some turtles may eat unattended eggs that they come across on the ground.
- Alligators and crocodiles – These large reptiles will readily eat nestlings and eggs.
The abilities of snakes and monitor lizards to access tree cavities and nests high above the ground make them dangerous predators. Their jaws allow them to swallow eggs whole as well. Even small snakes can wipe out songbird nests if they find their way inside a nest box or cavity in a tree.
Birds That Eat Other Bird Nests
Some predatory and omnivorous bird species will also eat the contents of nests, including:
- Jays – Jays are notorious for raiding the nests of smaller songbirds and eating eggs and nestlings.
- Crows – Very intelligent birds that are sometimes known to eat eggs and chicks of other birds.
- Hawks – Larger hawks can take nestlings and may temporarily take over a nest site.
- Owls – OwlsHelp themselves to eggs and chicks from open nests.
- Falcons – Some falcons will grab nestlings from ledges and crevices.
Jays and crows are especially likely to eat smaller eggs and nestlings thanks to their high intelligence and ability to access nests in trees and shrubs. Larger raptors like hawks and owls are experts at raiding nests for a quick protein-rich meal.
Other Nest Predators
In addition to mammals, reptiles, and predatory birds, other animals that may eat unattended eggs or nestlings include:
- Insects – Some predatory insects like praying mantises may eat nestlings.
- Fish – Large fish could potentially eat waterbird nestlings that fall into the water.
- Spiders – Small spiders could eat tiny eggs or hatchlings.
- Frogs – Tree frogs and some other frogs may consume eggs.
These nest predators are generally opportunistic feeders rather than seeking out nests specifically. But any unattended eggs or nestlings are fair game as a readily available food source.
Scavengers That Eat Old Nests
Many animals are also known to scavenge material from old nests that are no longer in use. For example:
- Squirrels – Sometimes strip material from unoccupied nests to line their own nests.
- Mice and voles – May also take material like grasses or fibers from old nests.
- Some birds – Birds like crows may also scavenge fibers, hair, grass, or other materials from old nests to help build their own nest.
While not preying on active nests, these animals help themselves to the materials in abandoned nests. The leftover materials like grass, hair, feathers, and twigs in a nest can be a handy source of nest building supplies.
Most Common Bird Nests Raided
Some specific types of bird nests tend to be more vulnerable to predators and nest raiders. Common types of nests raided include:
- Songbird nests – Small songbirds like warblers, sparrows, and finches build open cup nests in trees, shrubs, or on the ground. Their eggs and chicks are easy targets.
- Swallow nests – The mud nests built under eaves or on human structures are prone to disturbances by cats, raccoons, and snakes.
- Goose nests – Geese often nest on the ground in exposed areas, so their eggs are vulnerable to a wide array of predators.
- Duck nests – Ducks that nest in tree cavities or nest boxes may be especially prone to raiding by raccoons, snakes, and other climbing predators.
- Chicken nests – Domestic chicken eggs are a favorite target for hungry foxes, rats, bobcats, and other opportunistic wildlife.
- Sea bird nests – Their exposed cliffside nests are often in reach of falcons, gulls, owls, and mammals like foxes or mink.
In general, ground nests and exposed tree or cliff nests are much more vulnerable to predators than enclosed nests in tree cavities. But even cavity nests are still in danger from snakes, raccoons, and other animals that can climb or break into nest sites.
Conclusion
Bird nests are attractive targets for predators looking for an easy meal. While many different animals may opportunistically eat eggs or nestlings, the main nest predators and raiders include raccoons, snakes, jays, and crows. They target vulnerable open cup nests built by songbirds, swallows, waterfowl, chickens, and seabirds. But even enclosed tree cavity and cliff nests may be accessed by snakes, raccoons, owls, and falcons. Ultimately a wide variety of mammalian, reptilian, and avian predators will readily eat the contents of bird nests they are able to access as a quick protein source.