Most people think of snakes as top predators, but plenty of birds see them as prey. From powerful hawks to unexpected species, many birds have adapted to hunt and eat snakes. In this guide, we’ll explore 25 birds that eat snakes, how they catch them, and what makes them such effective snake hunters.
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Table of Contents
- 1 Birds That Eat Snakes
- 1.1 Hawks
- 1.2 Vultures
- 1.3 Owls
- 1.4 Crows
- 1.5 Roadrunners
- 1.6 Eagles
- 1.7 Falcons
- 1.8 Peacocks
- 1.9 Laughing Kookaburras
- 1.10 Herons
- 1.11 Secretary Bird
- 1.12 Cranes
- 1.13 Chickens
- 1.14 Wild Turkeys
- 1.15 Geese
- 1.16 Ducks
- 1.17 Ostrich
- 1.18 Cassowary
- 1.19 Rhea
- 1.20 Emu
- 1.21 Crested Caracara
- 1.22 Rooster
- 1.23 Stork
- 1.24 Anhinga
- 1.25 Brown Snake Eagle
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3 Author
Birds That Eat Snakes
Hawks
Hawks are widely distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, adapting to forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. As opportunistic predators, they consume a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles—and that includes snakes.
Using razor-sharp talons, lightning-fast reflexes, and powerful beaks, hawks dive at high speeds to snatch snakes off the ground. Some species, such as the Red-tailed Hawk in North America, have been observed grabbing and killing venomous snakes, ensuring they remain safe while hunting.
Related Post: 32 Fun Facts About Hawks
Vultures
Vultures are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, primarily in deserts, grasslands, and open plains where they scavenge for carrion. While they rarely hunt live prey, vultures will feast on dead snakes, helping to clean up ecosystems and prevent disease spread.
The Lappet-faced Vulture of Africa and Turkey Vulture of the Americas are particularly skilled at locating decaying carcasses from miles away. Their strong stomach acids neutralize toxins and bacteria, allowing them to consume decomposing remains without getting sick.
Related Post: 18 Facts About Turkey Vultures
Owls
Owls thrive worldwide, from dense forests to open fields, using their nocturnal vision and near-silent flight to ambush prey. While their diet consists mostly of rodents and insects, certain owls, like the Great Horned Owl of North America and the Barn Owl found globally, will hunt and eat snakes.
Owls strike with powerful talons, instantly immobilizing their prey before swallowing it whole. Their adaptability, stealth, and keen hearing make them effective snake predators, especially in areas where rodents and reptiles share overlapping habitats.
Related Post: 17 Fun Facts About Owls
Crows
Crows are among the most intelligent birds on Earth, found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. These highly adaptable birds are omnivores, consuming fruits, insects, small mammals, and even reptiles like snakes.
Using their sharp beaks and problem-solving skills, crows will attack, peck, and kill small snakes when given the chance. Some crows, particularly the American Crow and the Large-billed Crow of Asia, have been observed working in groups to overwhelm larger prey, showcasing their remarkable intelligence in hunting strategies.
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Roadrunners
Native to the deserts and scrublands of the southwestern United States and Mexico, roadrunners are one of the few birds that actively hunt venomous snakes. These ground-dwelling birds chase down and kill snakes with rapid strikes, using their sharp beaks to deliver fatal blows.
Roadrunners are known to grab snakes by the tail and whip them against rocks to ensure they are fully immobilized before swallowing them whole. This technique allows them to safely consume even dangerous rattlesnakes without risk.
Related Post: 32 Fun Facts About Roadrunners
Eagles
Eagles are apex predators found on every continent except Antarctica, dominating habitats from mountains to wetlands. These powerful birds use their incredible eyesight and immense talons to hunt various prey, including snakes.
The Brown Snake Eagle of Africa is particularly specialized in hunting and consuming venomous serpents, using thick, scale-covered legs to protect itself from bites. Similarly, the Golden Eagle of North America and Eurasia will readily catch and eat snakes when available.
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Falcons
Falcons, found worldwide, are known for their incredible speed and aerial hunting abilities. While they primarily hunt small birds and mammals, some species, such as the Lanner Falcon of Africa and the Prairie Falcon of North America, have been observed snatching small snakes off the ground.
Their sharp talons and rapid strikes allow them to capture and kill prey in seconds, making them some of the fastest and most efficient snake predators in the avian world.
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Peacocks
Peacocks might not seem like snake hunters, but they are highly territorial and aggressive when confronted with a threat. They use their sharp beaks and powerful legs to attack snakes, often killing them before eating them.
In regions like India and Southeast Asia, peacocks play an important role in controlling snake populations. Their bold nature allows them to face off against even venomous snakes, making them valuable allies in snake-prone areas.
Related Post: The Culinary Preferences of Peacocks: Exploring Their Diet!
Laughing Kookaburras
Kookaburras, native to Australia and New Guinea, are fearless predators known for their distinctive laughing call that echoes through the forests. These tree-dwelling kingfishers are not only famous for their vocalizations but also for their boldness in hunting and eating snakes, lizards, and small mammals.
Their hunting technique involves grabbing prey in their strong beaks, smashing it violently against tree branches to break its bones, and swallowing it whole. This brutal yet highly effective strategy allows them to overcome even larger and more dangerous snake species, ensuring a successful meal.
Herons
Herons inhabit wetlands across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, where they primarily hunt fish, amphibians, and small reptiles like snakes. Using their long, sharp beaks, herons stab and kill prey before swallowing it whole.
The Great Blue Heron in North America and the Black-headed Heron in Africa have been observed consuming water snakes as part of their diet. Their stealth and precision make them highly effective reptile hunters.
Related Post: 10 Great Blue Heron Facts
Secretary Bird
Native to the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, the Secretary Bird is a legendary snake killer. Unlike most birds of prey, it hunts on foot, using long, powerful legs to stomp snakes to death with precision and speed. These birds are particularly known for their ability to hunt ground-dwelling reptiles efficiently.
With lightning-fast kicks strong enough to crush a cobra’s skull or venomous snakes, Secretary Birds are one of the most specialized and fearless snake hunters in the world, dominating their environment with their unique hunting style and remarkable strength.
Cranes
Cranes, found in wetlands, grasslands, and freshwater regions worldwide, are known for their omnivorous diets, consuming plants, insects, and small vertebrates like snakes, frogs, and fish. Some species, such as the Sandhill Crane in North America, have been observed snatching and eating small reptiles while foraging for food.
Their sharp beaks, long legs, and quick reflexes allow them to handle even fast-moving prey efficiently, making them skilled predators. Cranes will often use their long legs to stir up the ground and uncover hidden snakes, making them one of nature’s most fascinating opportunistic feeders.
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Chickens
Domesticated chickens, raised on farms and backyards worldwide, have a natural instinct to attack and kill small snakes. Hens will peck at intruding snakes with relentless force, and roosters will fight aggressively to protect their flock from potential threats. Their strong legs and sharp beaks make them more capable than most people think.
Chickens’ natural predatory instincts are incredibly effective, as they patrol farmyards, pecking at any snake they encounter. In many rural areas, farmers appreciate chickens for their natural ability to keep areas free of dangerous slithering threats and keep their property safe from snakes.
Wild Turkeys
Wild turkeys roam woodlands, fields, and grasslands across North America, feeding on insects, seeds, and small animals, including snakes, rodents, and lizards. They have been known to kill and eat a variety of snakes, using their strong beaks and quick reflexes to snatch up and eliminate their prey with precision.
Their strong pecks and quick reflexes allow them to dispatch small serpents with ease, making them surprisingly effective at snake control. Farmers and landowners often appreciate wild turkeys for their ability to hunt and eliminate garden pests and venomous reptiles, naturally reducing the snake population in their territory.
Geese
Geese are found worldwide, often near lakes, rivers, marshes, and open grasslands. Though primarily herbivorous, they are known to aggressively attack and kill snakes to protect their nests and territory, especially during nesting season. Their sharp beaks and fearless attitude make them formidable opponents for small reptiles that invade their domain.
Geese use their strong beaks, powerful wings, and teamwork to drive away and sometimes kill snakes, making them one of the more unexpected but effective predators of snakes. These behaviors also make them valuable protectors of farmyards where snakes can be a nuisance.
Ducks
Ducks are found on every continent except Antarctica and thrive in diverse habitats, from swamps and marshes to urban ponds and lakes. While their diet mainly consists of plants, insects, and aquatic creatures, some species, such as the Muscovy Duck in the Americas, have been observed preying on small snakes when other food sources are scarce.
Larger duck species will eat whatever is available, including small reptiles they encounter in water or on land. Their strong beaks, quick reflexes, and foraging nature help them efficiently snap up slithering prey when hunting opportunities arise.
Related Post: 23 Fun Facts About Ducks
Ostrich
Ostriches, native to the vast open plains, deserts, and savannas of Africa, are the world’s largest flightless bird, standing up to 9 feet tall. Though their diet mainly consists of plants, seeds, and insects, ostriches won’t hesitate to kill and eat snakes, especially when they pose a threat.
With powerful legs capable of delivering deadly kicks, ostriches can instantly kill venomous snakes like cobras. These formidable birds use their keen eyesight, strong pecks, and surprising speed to control snake populations in the wild and on African farmlands.
Cassowary
Cassowaries, native to the tropical rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea, are among the most dangerous birds in the world. Although primarily frugivores (fruit-eaters), cassowaries have been seen hunting and eating small snakes, lizards, and insects when the opportunity arises.
Armed with razor-sharp claws, strong beaks, and quick reflexes, cassowaries can swiftly kill and consume small snakes before they become a threat. Their ability to run at speeds of up to 30 mph makes them both efficient hunters and formidable survivors in dense jungle environments.
Rhea
Rheas, the largest flightless birds in South America, inhabit open grasslands, savannas, and agricultural fields in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. As omnivores, they consume a mix of plants, insects, and small vertebrates, including snakes, which they are capable of swallowing whole due to their flexible throats.
Rheas cover large territories while foraging and use their strong, curved beaks to grasp and eat prey efficiently. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments, making them one of the most versatile feeders in their ecosystem.
Emu
The Emu, Australia’s tallest bird, thrives in open woodlands, grasslands, and arid regions, constantly moving in search of food. Though their diet primarily consists of plants, fruits, seeds, and insects, emus are known to consume small reptiles, including snakes, when other food sources are scarce.
With incredibly strong legs and sharp beaks, emus can kill small snakes when needed, preventing them from becoming a threat. Their opportunistic feeding habits, combined with their ability to travel vast distances in search of sustenance, make them highly adaptable survivors in Australia’s harsh landscapes.
Crested Caracara
The Crested Caracara, a bold and intelligent raptor, is found in open landscapes across the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Unlike most birds of prey, caracaras hunt both in the air and on foot, making them skilled at catching snakes and other small animals.
These birds often scavenge for carrion but will actively hunt live prey when the opportunity arises. Their sharp talons, powerful beaks, and fearless nature make them capable snake hunters, particularly in grasslands, deserts, and farmlands where reptiles are abundant.
Rooster
Roosters are domesticated birds found worldwide, commonly raised in rural areas, farms, and backyards. Known for their aggressive and territorial nature, roosters have a natural instinct to protect their flock from predators—including snakes.
Using their strong beaks and sharp claws, roosters will attack and kill any snake that threatens their territory. Some farmers even keep multiple roosters specifically to help control snake populations, making these birds valuable assets in rural communities.
Stork
Storks are found worldwide, thriving in wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks where they hunt for fish, amphibians, and reptiles—including snakes. Some of the most skilled snake-hunting storks include the Marabou Stork in Africa and the Wood Stork in the Americas.
With long, sharp beaks and excellent precision, storks stab and kill snakes before swallowing them whole. Their keen eyesight and patient hunting style allow them to detect and ambush unsuspecting prey, making them highly effective hunters in wetland ecosystems.
Anhinga
Anhingas, known as “snakebirds” due to their long, slender necks, are found in freshwater lakes, swamps, and slow-moving rivers across the southeastern United States, Central America, and South America. Although their primary diet is fish, they will hunt and eat small snakes when available.
Using their dagger-like beaks, anhingas spear prey with rapid strikes before swallowing it whole. Their strong swimming skills and ambush tactics make them highly effective at catching aquatic and semi-aquatic prey, including slithering reptiles.
Brown Snake Eagle
The Brown Snake Eagle, native to sub-Saharan Africa, is a fearless raptor specializing in hunting venomous snakes. Its thick, scale-covered legs provide natural protection against deadly bites, allowing it to hunt cobras, mambas, and vipers with confidence.
Using its powerful talons and crushing grip, the Brown Snake Eagle neutralizes venomous snakes before consuming them whole. This highly skilled predator plays a critical role in controlling snake populations, proving why it is one of Africa’s most specialized reptile hunters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mockingbirds eat snakes?
Mockingbirds are native to North America and belong to the Mimidae family. The bird is typically found in open woodlands, thickets, brushy edges of forests, and suburbs with trees. Mockingbirds will eat many different types of insects as well as spiders and caterpillars. They will also eat small frogs, lizards, and even snakes (very small ones).
Do Eagles eat pythons?
Eagles are predatory birds and will eat any animal they can find. One of the animals that eagles prey on is the python, a non-venomous snake found in Asia and Africa. The eagle uses its sharp talons to hold onto the python’s body while it eats. Eagles often attack pythons when they’re sunning themselves on branches or logs as well as after ambushing them from high up in trees.
What bird eats venomous snakes?
Have you ever wondered what bird’s eats venomous snakes? These 6 birds will satisfy your curiosity! The laughing falcon, harpy eagle, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawks, great-horned owl and secretary bird are all known to eat poisonous reptiles.
Do Hawks eat Copperheads?
Hawks have been known to consume a wide range of snake species including the venomous Copperhead snake. While most people would think that this is not a good idea for the hawk, it actually poses no threat as hawks have stomachs with an acidic lining which can break down and digest anything from small bones to eggs without issue or harm to themselves.
Why do Secretary birds stomp snakes?
Secretary birds are a type of bird that live in Africa and India. They have very powerful feet and claws that they use to fight against venomous snakes such as cobras. The secretary bird’s hunting technique involves stomping on the snakes head with massive force before eating them. This prevents any chance of being bitten by the snake.
Do Golden Eagles eat rattlesnakes?
There have been a few instances where golden eagles have been seen feeding on snakes, but it is not a common occurrence. It is more likely that these eagles were just passing through and found a snake along their way to hunt for other food sources such as rodents or rabbits.
Do Pheasants eat snakes?
Do pheasants eat snakes? Yes. Pheasants are ground-dwelling birds that live in open areas such as grasslands, savannas, and wetlands. These herbivores typically feed on seeds, insects, and other small animals. They do not have a problem eating a snake if they happen to come across one while foraging for food!
Do Hawks eat rattlesnakes?
Hawks are raptors that eat a variety of prey. They have been known to hunt and kill rattlesnakes, although they primarily feed on small mammals such as mice and voles. In the wild, hawks will not typically attack a snake unless it is easy to capture or in the process of being eaten by another animal.
