Do Birds Eat Squirrels?

When you observe the dynamics of your backyard ecosystem, it’s not uncommon to see squirrels scurrying around in search of nuts or birds pecking at a bird feeder. You might be wondering if the squirrels are in danger from the birds. The answer: maybe.

background of mountainous forest with graphic of squirrel and hawk

The truth is, most backyard birds do not eat squirrels. For the majority of smaller birds, squirrels are too large to be considered as food. Instead, these birds typically feed on seeds, fruits, insects, and smaller animals that are easier to manage.

But that doesn’t mean squirrels are safe from ALL birds. Let’s look at the bird species that very well might consider the squirrels in your backyard as lunch–and how the squirrel is especially well-suited to stay safe from these predators.

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Which Birds Eat Squirrels?

Squirrels are primarily prey for birds of prey. These raptors have the necessary strength, speed, sharp talons, and hunting skills to capture and kill squirrels.

Below is a list of birds that might include squirrels in their diet:

Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles: While primarily fish eaters, eagles are opportunistic and will consume squirrels when available.

Red-tailed Hawks: Among the most common North American raptors, red-tailed hawks have the power to take down squirrels.

Red-shouldered Hawks: These hawks are adept hunters in wooded environments, using their agility to maneuver through trees to catch squirrels and other animals.

We have a Red-shouldered Hawk nest out by our barn and every day the hawk swoops down the creekbed, looking for a meal. When she swings over the bird feeders, everyone–squirrels included–makes a quick departure!

Cooper’s Hawks: These agile hawks primarily hunt birds but will also catch squirrels, especially in urban and suburban areas where such prey is abundant.

Sharp-shinned Hawks: Similar to Cooper’s Hawks but smaller, sharp-shinned hawks also feed on small mammals like squirrels, though they more frequently hunt birds.

Goshawks: Larger and more powerful, goshawks can take down larger prey, including squirrels, rabbits, and other birds.

Harris’s Hawks: Known for their unique social hunting tactics, Harris’s Hawks will also prey on small mammals, including squirrels.

Broad-winged Hawks: These smaller hawks typically feed on insects and small vertebrates, but they will also catch squirrels, especially when raising young.

Great Horned Owls: These nocturnal predators use their silent flight and powerful talons to surprise and capture squirrels at night.

Barred Owls: Barred Owls frequently prey on squirrels, taking advantage of their woodland habitats to hunt them among the trees.

Eastern Screech Owls: Despite their smaller size, they are capable of hunting squirrels, primarily focusing on young or smaller squirrel species.

Northern Saw-whet Owls: While squirrels may be on the larger side for Northern Saw-whet Owls, they can occasionally prey on young or smaller squirrels.

Spotted Owls: Squirrels, particularly species adapted to forested environments like the Northern Flying Squirrel, are a significant part of the Spotted Owl’s diet.

Birds of prey generally prefer open areas or semi-open habitats for hunting, so incidents of them hunting squirrels can occur at the edge of woods or in urban parks where squirrels are abundant. It’s important for you to note that while these birds can eat squirrels, they do not rely solely on them for sustenance and will typically have a varied diet consisting of smaller mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.

In rare instances, other larger bird species might occasionally attack young or weak squirrels if the opportunity arises and they are struggling to find other food sources.

Ravens are highly intelligent birds and opportunistic feeders, which means they’ll eat almost anything they can find or catch. While their diet primarily consists of insects, grains, fruits, small animals, and carrion, they are capable of hunting and killing small mammals, including squirrels, especially if the opportunity arises or if they are particularly hungry. However, predation of squirrels by ravens is not commonly observed and would likely be more of an exception than a norm. Ravens might attack squirrels if they are seen as an easy meal or if other food sources are scarce, but they typically prefer easier, less risky food sources.

Squirrel Anti-Predator Strategies

Squirrels have developed various behaviors to avoid predation. Your understanding of these strategies can offer insights into their survival tactics.

Squirrel Escape Tactics

When threatened, your first observation might be a squirrel’s rapid and erratic running. They use quick, unpredictable movements to evade predators, often zigzagging and suddenly changing directions. They’re a little like a butterfly that’s tough for a bird to catch because they keep changing directions!

Additionally, squirrels can leap across substantial distances, which is a crucial escape mechanism to elude avian predators or to outpace terrestrial threats.

Squirrel Sheltering Habits

Squirrels nest either in tree cavities, known as a drey, or high up in the branches to stay out of reach from most predators. These shelters are typically lined with soft materials like leaves and fur to provide comfort and insulation.

When faced with danger, squirrels will retreat to their dreys or navigate through the treetops where their agility provides a defensive advantage.