Background into the diet of a squirrel
First, to understand why squirrels eat bird eggs we need to take a closer dive into their diets. Squirrels are omnivorous which means that they like to eat both plants and animals.
Typically you would think that those cute little guys are solely eating seeds and nuts, but they do in fact also eat some animals.
Typically squirrels eat small insects, small animals, and even small snacks. This helps their diet and allows them to grow bigger.
They eat a wide variety of things which allows them to stay active and adapt to most environments. This is unfortunate for our flying bird friends as this also means squirrels eat not only bird eggs, but also young birds.
Eggs are a delicious snack for many squirrels, if they are lucky enough to find them that is! So, if you own chickens or know of a bird’s nest make sure to watch out for squirrels!
Why do Squirrels Eat Bird Eggs?
Squirrels are optimistic omnivores. This means that typically a squirrel’s diet consists of seeds, nuts, and other organic food they can forage for.
But, if they get the opportunity to eat meat then they will do so. The same goes for bird eggs, if a squirrel is roaming around in trees they are bound to come across a bird’s nest.
This is a treasure trove for them, they will eat birds’ eggs since they are high in protein and filling. Not to mention it is some variety to their diet which I know most of us are used to and enjoy.
Put your feet in their shoes, if you are working hard to find nuts and seeds, and you see a bird’s nest unprotected with eggs in it I am sure you would want to try them out.
What to do if you see a squirrel eating birds’ eggs?
Well, it is nature. It is best to let it run its course instead of scaring away squirrels or interfering. This could lead to the squirrel going without a meal.
Everything we do has an impact on the environment and the ecosystem so if you do see a squirrel harassing a bird, or eating a bird’s eggs watch from afar and make sure not to disturb nature’s course.
What eats bird eggs?
In nature, everything is out to get each other, so there are a lot of things that are out to get bird eggs. Humans have known it for a long time, but eggs are delicious and lots of other animals think so too.
They are also full of protein, nutrients, and calories. For these reasons, there are a lot of different animals that eat bird eggs that you wouldn’t even expect.
Other Birds
Believe it or not a lot of other bird species eat bird eggs. They will typically pick on smaller birds nests, and since they can fly it is very easy for them to spot nests to go and feed on.
Crows, blue jays, and even cardinals just to name a few are often seen to eat smaller species bird eggs.
These are all a threat to competition birds, which is why smaller birds need to watch out where they build their nests so nobody can come and steal their eggs!
Snakes and Lizards
There are a lot of ground-nesting bird species known all over the world, and these are easy pickings for snakes and lizards that don’t have as much of an easy time getting to bird nests.
Many snake and lizard species are known to eat bird eggs when they are available to them. As for snakes they are carnivores which means they only eat meat. So, they are always looking for a yummy meat snake.
Lizards are omnivores so they also enjoy bird eggs when they are available.
Mammals
Along with squirrels, there are a lot of other mammals that regularly are egg snatchers. Raccoons are known to climb into trees looking for unhatched bird eggs to eat.
Many skunks, mice, and even hedgehogs also pose a threat to bird eggs. They will typically come in the night and eat the bird’s eggs.
Even though the parents fight back against all of the threats, it is often not very successful. Since many mammals such as possums and raccoons are much bigger than a small bird they often have to abandon the nest and leave their eggs to die.
This is an unfortunate risk to many baby birds before they even can take their first breath.
Egg parents can be fairly successful when a squirrel is attacking though since a squirrel isn’t that much bigger than a bird.
When an attack is incoming the parent birds will puff up their stomachs to look bigger and then start flapping their wings. This is the way they are able to scare off some incoming attackers.
Where to put nest boxes to prevent egg poachers?
As discussed earlier it is better to let nature runs its course, but it is not worth putting a nest box up that puts the inhabitants at risk from attack.
To prevent any animals especially squirrels, from getting to your nest box hang it high in trees, or on posts.
If you can use a metal pole instead of wooden since squirrels and other animals can’t get up it as easily.
Use common sense when you are placing your nest box. Make sure to take notes of your surroundings and put the box where you haven’t seen much activity. There is no need in putting your box somewhere the birds will be in danger, so make this decision well!
Take away!
Along with a lot of other animals, yes, squirrels do eat bird eggs. It may seem like an unfair world to be a bird with everything and one trying to eat you. But, birds do a great job of raising and keeping their young safe.
So, if you ever see an animal eating a birds egg, let it go and let nature take the wheel!
James has always been an avid outdoorsman. Since a kid, he kept a journal of all the different birds and species he saw. Now he wants to share his passion with other birders with Happy Birding!