What Birds Eat Other Birds? Top Predators Explained

Yes, some birds eat other birds—a behavior known as avian predation. Birds that eat other birds include raptors like eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons, as well as larger omnivorous species such as crows and gulls. This natural predatory behavior is a key component of ecosystem balance and food web dynamics. A common longtail keyword variant related to this topic is 'what types of birds prey on other birds in the wild,' which reflects the curiosity of both birdwatchers and ecology enthusiasts seeking to understand interspecies interactions.

Biological Basis of Avian Predation

Birds that consume other birds have evolved specific anatomical and behavioral adaptations that make them effective predators. Raptors, or birds of prey, are the most well-known examples. These include species from the orders Accipitriformes (eagles, hawks, kites), Falconiformes (falcons), and Strigiformes (owls). Their physical traits—such as sharp talons, hooked beaks, keen eyesight, and powerful flight muscles—enable them to hunt, capture, and consume other birds efficiently.

For example, the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is renowned for its high-speed dives, reaching over 240 mph during a stoop, making it the fastest animal on Earth. It primarily targets medium-sized birds like pigeons, doves, and waterfowl, striking them mid-air with devastating force. Similarly, the Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii) specializes in hunting smaller woodland birds, using dense forest cover to ambush prey with swift, agile flight.

Owls, though nocturnal, are also significant avian predators. The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) has been documented preying on birds as large as skunks and even other raptors, including ospreys and young red-tailed hawks. Its silent flight and exceptional night vision give it a distinct advantage when hunting roosting birds.

Non-Raptor Birds That Eat Other Birds

While raptors dominate the category of bird-eating birds, several non-raptor species also exhibit this behavior. Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and ravens are intelligent, opportunistic feeders that will raid nests for eggs and nestlings. They have been observed killing and eating fledglings of other species, especially during breeding season when protein demands are high.

Gulls, particularly the larger species like the great black-backed gull (Larus marinus), are another example. These coastal birds are highly adaptable and will prey on seabird chicks, injured adults, or even dive to catch fish—but they’re not above snatching a small bird if the opportunity arises. In urban environments, gulls have been seen attacking pigeons or starlings in parks and parking lots.

An often-overlooked predator is the shrike, sometimes called the 'butcher bird.' Though smaller than many of its prey, the northern shrike (Lanius excubitor) impales insects, rodents, and small birds on thorns or barbed wire to store or dismember them. This behavior allows it to consume birds despite lacking the talons of raptors.

Ecological Role of Bird-on-Bird Predation

Predation among birds plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. By controlling populations of certain bird species, predators help prevent overgrazing of vegetation by herbivorous birds and reduce competition for nesting sites and food resources. For instance, unchecked populations of invasive species like European starlings can outcompete native cavity-nesters; natural predation helps regulate such imbalances.

In addition, scavenging after predation contributes to nutrient cycling. Remains left behind by predators provide food for insects, mammals, and decomposers, supporting broader ecosystem health. Even the fear of predation influences bird behavior—many songbirds alter their singing patterns, nesting locations, or foraging times to avoid detection by raptors.

How to Identify Bird Predation in the Wild

For birdwatchers and nature observers, recognizing signs of avian predation enhances field experience and ecological understanding. Key indicators include:

• Feathers scattered in a concentrated area, often with no blood or body parts—common after raptor attacks.
• Plucked feathers near perches or beneath trees, suggesting a hawk or owl consumed prey nearby.
• Distressed calls from smaller birds mobbing a predator (e.g., chickadees scolding an owl).
• Sighting a bird of prey carrying another bird in its talons.

Using binoculars or spotting scopes, observers can safely watch predation events without disturbing wildlife. Recording such observations through platforms like eBird or iNaturalist contributes valuable data to citizen science projects tracking predator-prey relationships.

Common Misconceptions About Birds That Eat Other Birds

One widespread misconception is that all birds are harmless seed-eaters. While many backyard birds fit this description, numerous species are carnivorous or omnivorous. Another myth is that bird predation is unnatural or indicative of ecosystem imbalance. In reality, it's a normal, essential process shaped by millions of years of evolution.

Some people mistakenly believe that seeing a hawk kill a songbird means the hawk should be removed. However, removing predators disrupts ecosystems and often leads to unintended consequences, such as pest outbreaks. Conservation efforts focus on protecting entire habitats rather than favoring one species over another.

Additionally, confusion arises between predation and scavenging. A turkey vulture feeding on a dead bird isn’t a predator—it’s a scavenger. True predation involves actively hunting and killing live prey.

Regional Variations in Avian Predation

The frequency and types of bird-on-bird predation vary significantly by region due to differences in climate, habitat, and species composition. In North America, Cooper’s hawks and sharp-shinned hawks are major predators of backyard birds, especially around feeders where small birds congregate.

In tropical regions, larger raptors like the ornate hawk-eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) may target parrots and toucans. In Africa, the African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) occasionally takes waterbirds, while the martial eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)—one of the continent’s most powerful raptors—can kill birds up to the size of young bustards.

In island ecosystems, predation dynamics can be more extreme. For example, on islands without native mammalian predators, introduced cats or rats may become primary threats, but native raptors like the Hawaiian short-eared owl still play vital roles in controlling bird populations.

Bird Species	Prey Birds Eaten	Hunting Method	Habitat
Peregrine Falcon	Pigeons, ducks, shorebirds	High-speed aerial stoop	Cliffs, cities, coastlines
Cooper’s Hawk	Songbirds, doves	Forest ambush flight	Woodlands, suburbs
Great Horned Owl	Owls, hawks, waterfowl	Nocturnal surprise attack	Forests, deserts, cities
Northern Shrike	Small passerines	Perch-and-pounce, impaling	Open fields, shrublands
Great Black-Backed Gull	Chicks, injured adults	Opportunistic ground attack	Coastlines, harbors

Tips for Observing Predatory Birds Safely and Ethically

If you're interested in observing birds that eat other birds, follow these guidelines to minimize disturbance:

• Maintain a safe distance using optical aids like binoculars or telephoto lenses.
• Avoid approaching nests or kill sites, which can stress parents or attract scavengers.
• Do not attempt to lure predators with bait, as this alters natural behavior.
• Report rare or unusual predation events to local wildlife authorities or databases.
• Support conservation organizations working to protect raptor habitats.

Installing nest boxes? Place them away from open perches where hawks might sit. If you notice frequent predation at feeders, temporarily remove them to encourage predator movement elsewhere.

FAQs: Common Questions About Birds That Eat Other Birds

Do hawks eat other birds?

Yes, many hawks such as Cooper’s hawks and sharp-shinned hawks specialize in hunting and eating smaller birds, particularly in forested and suburban areas.

Can owls kill and eat other birds?

Yes, owls like the great horned owl and barred owl regularly prey on other birds, including ducks, grouse, and even other raptors, especially at night.

Are crows dangerous to other birds?

Crows are opportunistic and will eat eggs, nestlings, and occasionally adult birds, particularly weakened ones. They are part of natural ecosystem dynamics.

What should I do if I see a bird eating another bird?

Observe quietly from a distance. Do not intervene unless the predator appears injured or in distress, in which case contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Is it normal for falcons to hunt pigeons in cities?

Yes, urban environments attract peregrine falcons because tall buildings mimic cliff habitats. Pigeons are a common and natural food source for them in cities.