Grey squirrels are an invasive species and have often been blamed for the decline of certain British wildlife. But are squirrels to blame for any declining birds and do they kill them directly?
Do Grey Squirrels Attack Birds?
It is not common for grey squirrels to attack birds.
They are not an aggressive species in nature, but they have been known to attack birds under certain circumstances. That being said, let’s have a look into these circumstances and what may be leading grey squirrels to attack birds.
Do Grey Squirrels Eat Birds?
Most squirrels, including grey squirrels, are omnivores which means that they eat both meat and plant matter.
Whilst most squirrels will not eat a meat-heavy diet, grey squirrels have been known to eat birds in times of food shortages. However, more often than not, they appear to consume already deceased birds rather than kill themselves.
But that does not mean that they won’t ever kill them.
Do Grey Squirrels Eat Bird Eggs?
As well as eating birds, squirrels have been known to raid bird nests to try to find and consume any eggs.
This is not the most common occurrence because, as stated before, many squirrels prefer the plant-based aspects of their diet, such as nuts and seeds. But in hard times, they are not averse to becoming a little more violent searching for adequate food sources.
Do Grey Squirrels Kill Birds for Sport?
There is no benefit for grey squirrels killing birds if not for food, so, no, it does not appear that grey squirrels will kill birds simply for the sport.
It requires a lot of energy for squirrels to hunt birds, so doing it without purpose wastes a lot of energy that would have to be regained through further foraging.
Do Other Squirrels Kill Birds?
As stated earlier, squirrels are omnivorous, so it is not a surprise that grey squirrels are not the only squirrel species to consume birds.
In fact, red squirrels also consume birds and their eggs if they are struggling to find food.
This is, perhaps, because the increase in the grey squirrel population is forcing red squirrels out of their habitats, meaning that red squirrels are forced to take more drastic measures to get their required food.
This would include raiding birds’ nests for eggs and killing small species of songbirds for some extra food.
Are Squirrels Killing the Birds in the Garden?
If you find dead birds in your garden, there is a small chance a squirrel did it. However, if you have a bird feeder in your garden, then the squirrel is much more likely to eat that than a bird.
They also do not hunt for sport, so if the bird’s body is intact, it is not a squirrel. Squirrels also do not hunt at night, so you are most likely looking at another predator if it is occurring overnight. These may include cats, foxes and owls.
Summary
To summarise what we’ve learnt here are some key points from the article. Grey squirrels will kill birds but only for food and not for sport. They will also eat bird eggs but will avoid doing so if they can.
Other species of squirrels, including red squirrels, will also prey on birds and their eggs. The impact of grey squirrels does not seem to be negatively affecting British songbirds in the long-term.
If you are finding dead birds in your garden, it may result from squirrels, but it is most likely due to another predator such as a cat, fox or an owl.
