In the wild, survival depends on food — and sometimes, the food chain presents unexpected relationships. One common question is: do birds eat squirrels? While the idea of a bird eating a squirrel may sound unusual, the truth is yes — certain birds of prey do eat squirrels, especially small or young ones. These birds are powerful hunters equipped to catch, kill, and consume small mammals, including rodents like squirrels.
Let’s explore which birds eat squirrels, how they hunt them, and what this means for the balance of ecosystems.
Which Birds Eat Squirrels?
Not all birds have the strength or hunting skill to prey on squirrels. But birds of prey, also known as raptors, are nature’s apex aerial predators and are more than capable.
Hawks
Hawks are among the most common squirrel predators in North America. They include species such as:
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Broad-winged Hawk
These raptors have keen eyesight, strong talons, and sharp beaks, which allow them to grab squirrels directly from the ground or even from tree branches.
Eagles
Larger birds like bald eagles and golden eagles are powerful enough to hunt adult squirrels. While squirrels aren’t a primary food source, they can be part of the eagle’s varied diet when available.
Owls
Owls are nocturnal predators that will eat squirrels if the opportunity arises, especially:
- Great Horned Owl
- Barred Owl
- Barn Owl
Owls can silently swoop down on squirrels, especially young ones sleeping in nests or scurrying out at dawn or dusk.
Falcons
Though falcons primarily target birds and insects, some species like the peregrine falcon may prey on smaller mammals, including young or injured squirrels in open areas.
How Do Birds Hunt Squirrels?
Hunting squirrels isn’t easy. They’re fast, agile, and often hide in trees. However, birds of prey have evolved tactics to succeed.
Ambush Attacks
Some birds perch quietly and watch for squirrels. When the squirrel lets its guard down — to feed or move between trees — the bird strikes quickly and decisively.
Aerial Chase
Raptors may engage in fast aerial pursuits, especially hawks that are agile enough to navigate wooded areas.
Nest Raids
During nesting season, young squirrels (kits) are especially vulnerable. Birds like owls may raid dreys (squirrel nests) to grab helpless babies.
What Kind of Squirrels Do Birds Eat?
Birds of prey will eat both tree squirrels and ground squirrels, but the type and size of the squirrel matters.
Juvenile Squirrels
Young squirrels are easier targets due to their smaller size, inexperience, and slower reflexes.
Injured or Sick Squirrels
Predators tend to target animals that are weak, sick, or isolated. Birds often take advantage of injured or older squirrels who can’t escape quickly.
Small Species
In regions with smaller squirrel species, such as red squirrels or chipmunks, birds are more likely to include them in their diet compared to larger gray squirrels.
Are Squirrels a Major Part of a Bird’s Diet?
That depends on the bird. For many raptors, squirrels are just one part of a diverse diet that includes:
- Mice and voles
- Rabbits
- Small birds
- Reptiles and amphibians
- Carrion (dead animals)
Hawks and owls are more likely to consume squirrels if they are abundant in the environment or during certain seasons when other prey is less available.
Do Birds Eat Dead Squirrels?
Yes, some birds will scavenge dead squirrels. Species like:
- Crows
- Vultures
- Ravens
- Bald eagles
…are opportunistic feeders and will eat roadkill or dead animals if they find them.
These birds are not predators of squirrels in the traditional sense but will consume them when the opportunity arises.
Should You Worry About Birds Attacking Pet Squirrels?
If you’re raising or caring for a pet or rescued squirrel outdoors, it’s wise to be cautious. Birds of prey will see small mammals as potential prey, especially if:
- The squirrel is left alone outside
- There’s little cover nearby
- Large hawks or owls are known to live in your area
To prevent problems:
- Keep pet squirrels in covered enclosures outdoors
- Avoid feeding them in open yards or fields
- Supervise their outdoor time
The Role of Birds in Controlling Squirrel Populations
Birds of prey help maintain ecological balance by controlling populations of rodents, including squirrels. This benefits forests and gardens by:
- Reducing tree damage caused by overpopulated squirrels
- Preventing the spread of diseases
- Controlling competition among squirrel species
So while it may seem harsh, birds eating squirrels is a natural part of the food chain that supports environmental health.
Which Birds Don’t Eat Squirrels?
The vast majority of birds are not predators of squirrels. For example:
- Songbirds like robins, sparrows, and blue jays
- Hummingbirds
- Waterfowl like ducks and geese
- Parrots and parakeets
- Seabirds like seagulls and terns
These birds eat seeds, insects, nectar, or fish — not small mammals.
FAQs
Do birds really eat squirrels?
Yes. Birds of prey like hawks, owls, and eagles can and do eat squirrels, especially young or small ones.
Can a hawk pick up a squirrel?
Absolutely. Red-tailed hawks and similar species are strong enough to carry a squirrel away in their talons.
Do owls eat squirrels at night?
Yes. Owls are nocturnal hunters and often target sleeping or juvenile squirrels in trees or nests.
Are squirrels afraid of birds?
Squirrels are alert to large birds, especially raptors. They often freeze or flee when they see a hawk or owl nearby.
Do crows eat squirrels?
Crows won’t usually hunt squirrels, but they may scavenge dead ones if available.
