The practice of preying on snakes is known as ophiophagy in Latin. Snake eaters are ophiophagous, which is a fancy word for “eating snake eaters.” The latin name for the King Cobra comes from this location. Birds are the most common species that eat scaly serpents, however there are many diverse species of birds that do so as well. We’ll take a look at 15 ophiophagous birds, or snake-eating birds, in this article.
15 TYPES OF BIRDS THAT EAT SNAKES
Birds of prey are not the only ones that eat snakes, as you might assume. It’s interesting to learn that even some common birds consume snakes! Water birds, birds of prey, and domestic birds are just a few of the animals that eat snakes.
1. HAWKS
Hawks have enormous talons and quick speeds, allowing them to pick off snakes quickly and efficiently. Once they have identified their meal, hawks swoop towards it and flap their wings to divert the snake’s attention before grabbing it behind the head.
Hawks will eat both non-venomous and venomous snakes, as opposed to just non-venomous snakes. Several hawks that were bitten while trying to catch venomous snakes have died as a result of this, but these are usually young or first-time predators.
2. OWLS
Owls are not really picky and will eat anything, making snakes a welcome snack!
Owls, like Hawks, have enormous talons and beaks- ideal for digging into a snake. Owls have superior eyesight, which makes finding a snake simple. Little snakes (like blind snakes) are eaten by even baby owls.
3. CROWS
Crows are omnivores that eat both live and dead creatures. Crows are known to eat live snakes, as well as devouring any dead reptiles they can find. Crows are small birds, as compared to some of the other snake-eating birds on this list, and they prey on smaller snakes like garter snakes.
4. FALCONS
Falcons, like other birds of prey, have been known to consume snakes as well. The Laughing Falcon, in particular, is known for devouring serpents in its range of South and Central America. Highly venomous Coral Snakes are even consumed by Laughing Falcons.
5. EAGLES
Some large and even dangerous creatures are said to be eaten by eagles. Eagles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and certain Eagles, such as Serpent or Snake Eagles, are specialized on snake eating.
Some Serpent Eagle species have developed the ability to safely consume snakes, including poisonous ones, throughout Asia and Africa. Serpent Eagles’ talons and legs have thickened skin to keep snakes at bay, as well as their hunting techniques, which are down-right brilliant!
6. ROADRUNNERS
The Roadrunners are most recognized for attempting to outwit a particular coyote in a specific cartoon. Roadrunners are also known for outwitting and preying on snakes, in addition to the other things they do. Rattlesnakes, not just any snakes!
Rattlesnakes, on the other hand, will devour Roadrunners, so it is anybody’s game in certain circumstances. Rattlesnakes have venom, which they can use in a confrontation with a Roadrunner, whereasrunners have speed on their side.
7. HERONS
Snakes don’t seem like the most appetizing meal for water birds, despite being snakes. Herons, on the other hand, are exceptional hunters who can devour Water Moccasins and even snakes found near water’s edge.
As they writhe around, herons use their long, pointed beaks to easily pluck snakes from the water. Snakes will be consumed first by Heron’s head.
8. CHICKENS
Chickens are now widely considered to be dim-witted, clumsy birds that are mostly utilized for their meat or eggs. They are also able to take down snakes and are effective hunters.
Chickens are naturally afraid of snakes, and even if they don’t want to eat one, they’ll try to kill it. They devour the snakes with little effort and speed.
Guinea fowl are chicken-like birds that specialize in snake takedowns. They’ve been known to form a circle around a snake and eliminate the danger as a group. They’ve also been known to work together as a group. Below is a video of the event.
9. DUCKS
Ducks are probably not the first animal that come to mind when you think of cold-blooded killers. Ducks, on the other hand, have been known to consume venomous snakes! According to some reports, certain dog breeds, such as Muscovites, are particularly prone to snake consumption. Apparently, these dogs may be a good option for households looking to keep snakes out of their yards.
10. GEESE
Geese are well-known for their testy dispositions among domesticated birds. Geese will slurp up smaller snakes like it is nothing, so their attitude is probably what makes them such a ferocious opponent for certain snake species. Several individuals in Thailand keep geese for this reason.
11. TURKEYS
Snakes are hunted and consumed by turkeys, who prefer a communal technique. Nevertheless, as long as a single Turkey isn’t overly big, it should be able to take down a snake on its own. Turkeys will crowd around a snake and torment it before snatching it and tearing it apart, which is not an enjoyable experience for anybody!
12. CRANES
Cranes, like herons, are waterfowl that feed on a wide range of aquatic prey. Water snakes are another possible example! Cranes are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal material found in aquatic environments.
Cranes eat primarily plants and vegetation, but they will modify their menu depending on what is available. Any snake that crosses their path will be unlucky!
13. PEACOCKS
Peacocks are recognized for their magnificent feathers, horrendously loud screaming cries, and as a symbol of authority. Peacocks, on the other hand, are snake eaters.
Peacocks are found all over Asia and Africa, but some of the world’s most poisonous snakes live there as well. Peacocks were kept in palaces in ancient India to repel Cobras and other snakes by driving them away.
14. SECRETARY BIRD
Secretary Birds are a well-known snake eater, despite being not the most common birds. The Secretary Birds’ birds are exceptionally large and strong, allowing them to strike with tremendous force. They are found across Africa, where they consume a variety of venomous snake species.
To frighten snakes out of the grass, Secretary Birds will stomp around on tall grasses at breakneck speeds, frightening them and focusing them in on one another. They are sometimes said to grasp a snake in their hands and fly into the air before dropping it to their death for food.
15. KOOKABURRAS
When it comes to food, kookaburras, which are native to Australia, have a wide range. Australia is home to a variety of snake species, which they consume with relative ease.
Kookaburras will perch on a limb overhead and wait for their unfortunate victim to slither by, using a sit and wait method. They’ll swoop down and grab a snake before swallowing it up whole or crushing it against the ground before swallowing it.
CONCLUSION
While most assume snakes are the primary predators on birds, there are actually a wide range of species that consume snakes. Snakes, on the other hand, may consume some of these birds, and it usually comes down to who is bigger to determine who gets devoured.
Water birds, birds of prey, domestic birds, and other species are among the species that eat snakes. The animal kingdom never ceases to amaze us, even though some of these birds do not seem to have the toughness needed to swallow a snake.