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What Are Bird Predators?

Although it's not always easy to observe, many different predators eat birds or bird eggs. Even some of the largest birds can fall prey to such creatures. People who keep birds as pets or livestock must take adequate measures to keep predators away from them; a dog or fox can easily kill several chickens in a brief period of time. Among other types of animals, researchers have observed that some snakes, lizards and owls hunt birds as a source of food.

Reptiles
- The kingsnake kills birds using the constriction method, according to the Encarta Encyclopedia. It lives in the eastern United States. Some snakes also steal the eggs of birds, finding that eggs offer easier meals than live birds. Large reptiles eat birds with little difficulty. The Oakland Zoo indicates that American alligators devour birds, among other animals. They live in the southern United States, including parts of North Carolina and Texas. Monitor lizards swallow them whole and eat eggs as well, according to the Honolulu Zoo. They prefer small birds in nests. Such lizards live throughout much of Africa.
Mammals
- Several types of mammals occasionally or frequently act as bird predators. Domesticated cats and dogs frequently kill birds. Some foxes also eat them. The gray fox lives in the western hemisphere and possesses the ability to ascend trees, according to Britannica Ready Reference. It eats various small animals, birds and insects among them. People also act as bird predators by hunting and raising them for human consumption. Although they prefer seals, polar bears will also consume aquatic birds (such as ducks) and bird eggs, according to Sea World.
Birds
- Some of the larger birds prey upon different bird species. Among other things, the hawk can prey upon crows and smaller birds, reports the Encarta Encyclopedia. Great horned owls eat other bird species and even some types of owls. They devour ducks and hawks as well. This kind of owl lives in a wide variety of different climates and terrains throughout North America. Eagles also eat birds.
Others
- Bird predators include some species that few people would imagine killing birds. Some tarantulas in South America prey upon diminutive birds, according to Britannica Ready Reference. Mosquitoes draw their blood and sometimes transmit viruses which may cause death. Golden orb weaver spiders in Australia and other parts of the world can catch small birds in their webs and eat them, reports the "Telegraph." However, they usually catch insects.

Animals & Science