If you’ve ever found broken eggshells scattered around your property or discovered an empty nest where eggs should be, you’ve witnessed nature’s egg predators at work.
Eggs represent a protein-rich, easily accessible food source that attracts an astonishing variety of creatures. From tiny insects to large mammals, what animals eat eggs spans nearly every habitat on Earth.
You’ll discover 28 different egg-eating animals in this guide, learning which species pose the greatest threat to bird nests, chicken coops, and reptile eggs in both wild and domestic settings.
Humans
You might not think of humans as egg predators, but people have consumed eggs for thousands of years. Humans (Homo sapiens) harvest eggs from chickens, ducks, quail, and other domesticated birds as a primary protein source. Beyond farming, cultures worldwide collect wild bird eggs, turtle eggs, and fish roe for consumption.
Key Insight: Humans consume approximately 1.4 trillion eggs annually, making our species one of the most significant egg predators on the planet.
Your impact extends beyond direct consumption. Commercial egg collection affects wild populations when done unsustainably, particularly with sea turtle eggs in some regions. Understanding human egg consumption helps you recognize why protecting wild nesting sites matters for conservation efforts.
Snakes
Many snake species actively seek out eggs as a primary food source. Egg-eating snakes have evolved specialized adaptations for this diet, including flexible jaws that can accommodate eggs larger than their head diameter. The African egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis species) demonstrates remarkable specialization, with modified vertebrae that crack eggshells internally.
Rat snakes, corn snakes, and kingsnakes frequently raid bird nests and chicken coops in your area. These reptile eggs predators use their excellent climbing ability to access nests in trees, shrubs, and elevated structures. You’ll often find evidence of snake predation when you discover eggshells with characteristic puncture marks or completely missing eggs.
Common Mistake: Many people assume all snakes swallow eggs whole. While this is true for specialized egg-eaters, some snake species may bite and consume only the contents, leaving behind crushed shells.
Lizards
Numerous lizard species supplement their diet with eggs when opportunities arise. Monitor lizards rank among the most efficient egg predators, using their powerful limbs and claws to dig up buried turtle and crocodile eggs. You’ll find these large reptiles actively searching beaches and riverbanks during nesting seasons.
Smaller lizards like skinks and fence lizards opportunistically consume bird eggs they encounter. They typically target ground-nesting species or nests in low vegetation where access proves easier.
The Tegu lizard (Salvator species) in South America poses significant threats to ground-nesting birds, with studies showing individual tegus consuming dozens of eggs during nesting season.
Rats
Rats present one of the most persistent egg predation problems you’ll face around homes and farms. Both black rats (Rattus rattus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) actively seek out eggs in chicken coops, wild bird nests, and even turtle nests along coastlines. Their nimble climbing ability allows them access to nests you might consider secure.
These rodents typically gnaw small holes in eggshells to consume contents or carry smaller eggs away entirely. You’ll notice distinctive gnaw marks and scattered shell fragments when rats have visited nesting areas. A single rat can consume multiple eggs per night, making them particularly destructive to poultry operations and wild bird populations.
Control measures for rats around egg-producing areas include:
- Securing all feed storage in metal containers
- Removing potential nesting sites like brush piles and lumber stacks
- Installing hardware cloth with quarter-inch mesh over ventilation openings
- Collecting eggs frequently to reduce temptation
- Setting traps along established rat pathways
Mice
While smaller than rats, mice still pose significant threats to eggs. The house mouse (Mus musculus) and field mouse species gnaw through thinner eggshells to access nutritious contents. You’ll typically find mice targeting smaller eggs from songbirds, quail, and young chickens rather than larger hen eggs.
Mice excel at squeezing through incredibly small openings, allowing them access to nesting boxes and coops through gaps you might overlook.
Their egg predation often goes unnoticed initially because they consume less per visit than larger predators. Evidence of mouse activity includes small gnaw marks, droppings near nests, and eggs with tiny puncture holes.
Foxes
Foxes demonstrate remarkable intelligence when hunting for eggs. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) raid ground nests, dig up turtle eggs, and infiltrate poorly secured chicken coops.
You’ll find foxes particularly active during spring when they’re feeding growing kits and eggs provide essential nutrition. These canids use their keen sense of smell to locate buried eggs and remember productive nesting sites year after year.
A fox typically carries eggs away from the nest site before consuming them, making detection more difficult. Research shows foxes can significantly impact ground-nesting bird populations, particularly in fragmented habitats where natural prey has declined.
Pro Tip: If you’re protecting ground-nesting birds, install low electric fencing around nesting areas. Foxes rarely jump fences and the psychological deterrent proves highly effective.
Coyotes
Coyotes expand their omnivorous diet to include eggs whenever available. The coyote (Canis latrans) covers extensive territories while hunting, encountering numerous nesting sites during travels.
You’ll see increased coyote egg predation during spring months when denning females require extra protein for nursing pups. Unlike foxes, coyotes often consume eggs on-site, leaving broken shells scattered around nest locations.
They dig up turtle nests along waterways, raid waterfowl nests in wetlands, and occasionally break into chicken coops in rural areas. Their adaptability means coyotes exploit egg resources across diverse habitats from deserts to suburbs.
Raccoons
Raccoons rank among the most destructive egg predators you’ll encounter. The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) possesses dexterous front paws capable of opening latches, removing eggs from nests, and digging up buried turtle eggs. Their intelligence and persistence make them particularly challenging to exclude from poultry operations.
These masked bandits typically leave distinctive evidence including:
- Eggs opened with ragged holes from teeth and claws
- Multiple eggs consumed in a single night
- Tracks showing five-toed prints near nests
- Damage to nesting structures from prying and pulling
Raccoons cause substantial losses to sea turtle conservation programs, with some populations losing over 90% of nests to raccoon predation in unprotected areas. You’ll need multi-layered protection strategies including secure fencing, automated doors, and sometimes trapping to control raccoon access to valuable eggs.
Skunks
Several skunk species actively hunt for eggs, making them common nest raiders in your area. Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and spotted skunks (Spilogale species) dig up ground nests and use their strong claws to access eggs in low vegetation. You’ll typically discover skunk predation through distinctive digging patterns and strong musk odor near affected nests.
Skunks prefer to consume eggs on-site, creating characteristic cone-shaped excavations around nests. They target ground-nesting gamebirds like pheasants and quail, turtle nests along waterways, and accessible chicken eggs in coops with ground-level access. Unlike some predators, skunks work methodically through nesting areas, often returning night after night until all eggs are consumed.
Opossums
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) supplements its varied diet with eggs from any accessible source. You’ll find these marsupials climbing into chicken coops, raiding ground nests, and occasionally accessing tree nests despite their somewhat clumsy climbing style. Opossums typically bite holes in eggshells and lap up contents rather than carrying eggs away.
Important Note: Opossums are actually beneficial around your property in many ways, consuming ticks, rodents, and carrion. Their egg predation, while problematic for poultry keepers, represents only a small portion of their diet.
These nocturnal egg thieves leave behind eggs with irregular, crushed openings and sticky residue from saliva. They’re less destructive than raccoons but can still significantly impact small chicken flocks and wild bird populations when eggs are easily accessible.
Badgers
Badgers use powerful digging abilities to access underground nests. The American badger (Taxidea taxus) and European badger (Meles meles) excavate turtle nests, ground-nesting bird nests, and occasionally dig under poultry structures to reach eggs. You’ll recognize badger activity through large excavations with dirt piles and wide claw marks.
These muscular predators can dig through several feet of soil to reach buried eggs, making them particularly problematic for turtle conservation efforts.
Badgers remember productive nesting sites and return annually during nesting seasons. Their nocturnal habits mean you’ll rarely witness badger predation directly, but the extensive digging damage provides clear evidence.
Weasels
Weasels pose significant threats to eggs despite their small size. Long-tailed weasels (Neogale frenata), least weasels (Mustela nivalis), and short-tailed weasels can squeeze through openings as small as one inch to access chicken coops and nesting boxes. You’ll find their egg predation particularly devastating because weasels often kill more than they can eat immediately.
These slender carnivores typically bite holes in multiple eggs during a single raid, leaving behind a messy scene with broken shells and spilled contents.
Weasels target bird nests from ground level to tree canopy, using their excellent climbing ability. Evidence includes small puncture wounds in eggs and the distinctive musky odor weasels leave behind.
Protection strategies against weasels:
- Hardware cloth with half-inch or smaller mesh
- Secure all openings larger than one inch
- Elevate nests above ground level when possible
- Remove brush and cover near coops that provide concealment
Wolverines
The wolverine (Gulo gulo) opportunistically consumes eggs when encountered in its northern range. You’ll rarely witness wolverine egg predation because these solitary animals inhabit remote wilderness areas with sparse human presence. Wolverines dig up ground nests, raid bird colonies in tundra regions, and scavenge eggs from nests abandoned by other predators.
Their powerful jaws easily crush even large eggs, and their incredible strength allows them to access nests in challenging terrain. Wolverines cache excess food, including eggs, for later consumption by burying them in snow or soil. While not specialized egg predators, they’ll exploit any available food source in their harsh environment.
Bears
Several bear species include eggs in their omnivorous diet. Black bears (Ursus americanus), grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) raid nests when opportunities arise. You’ll see increased bear egg predation during spring emergence from dens when bears need to rebuild fat reserves after winter dormancy.
Bears use their keen sense of smell to locate nests from considerable distances. They dig up turtle nests along beaches, tear apart bird colonies, and have even been documented raiding seabird nesting areas on coastal cliffs. A single bear can devastate entire nesting colonies, consuming hundreds of eggs in one visit.
Pro Tip: If you’re managing poultry in bear country, electric fencing remains your most effective protection. Bears quickly learn to avoid the painful shock and will seek easier food sources.
Monkeys
Many monkey species actively raid bird nests for eggs across tropical and subtropical regions. Capuchin monkeys, macaques, and vervet monkeys demonstrate learned behavior patterns for locating and extracting eggs from nests.
You’ll observe these primates working systematically through territories, checking known nesting sites and investigating new potential locations.
Monkeys possess the manual dexterity to carefully remove eggs from delicate nests without causing structural damage, though they often consume eggs on-site.
Their intelligence allows them to remember productive nesting sites and timing, returning when new clutches appear. In areas where monkey populations have increased due to human food sources, their impact on native bird populations can be substantial.
Baboons
Baboons rank among the most opportunistic egg predators in African ecosystems. Olive baboons (Papio anubis) and other baboon species raid ground nests, dig up turtle eggs, and even access tree nests through coordinated group efforts. You’ll find baboon troops systematically searching nesting areas during peak breeding seasons.
These intelligent primates cause significant conservation concerns in some regions, particularly around sea turtle nesting beaches and vulnerable bird colonies.
Baboons learn quickly, teaching nest-raiding techniques to troop members and passing knowledge across generations. Their strong social structure means multiple individuals may raid nests simultaneously, causing extensive damage.
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees occasionally consume eggs as part of their varied diet. Wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) have been observed raiding bird nests, though eggs represent a minor portion of their overall food intake. You’ll see egg consumption more frequently in habitats where traditional food sources have declined or during periods when preferred foods are scarce.
Researchers have documented chimpanzees using tools to extract eggs from difficult-to-reach nests and teaching these techniques to younger troop members. Their opportunistic egg consumption demonstrates the adaptability and intelligence that characterizes great ape behavior.
While not significant nest predators compared to other species, chimpanzees show the widespread appeal of eggs as a nutritious food source.
Gorillas (Rare, Opportunistic)
Gorillas rarely consume eggs, but mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei) and western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) occasionally eat eggs encountered while foraging. You’ll find this behavior extremely uncommon because gorillas primarily consume vegetation and eggs don’t align with their typical feeding patterns.
When gorillas do eat eggs, it typically involves ground nests discovered accidentally during normal foraging activities. The rarity of this behavior makes gorillas among the least significant egg predators on this list, mentioned primarily to demonstrate how widespread egg consumption is across animal groups.
Birds
Numerous bird species actively prey on eggs from other birds. Corvids like crows (Corvus species), ravens (Corvus corax), jays (various Cyanocitta species), and magpies (Pica species) rank among the most common avian egg predators you’ll encounter. These intelligent birds systematically patrol territories searching for unguarded nests.
Common Mistake: Many people believe only predatory birds eat eggs. In reality, omnivorous species like crows and jays cause more egg losses than hawks or owls in most environments.
Gulls raid colonial nesting sites, sometimes causing catastrophic losses to tern and plover colonies. Hawks including Cooper’s hawks and sharp-shinned hawks occasionally take eggs when live prey proves scarce. Owls rarely consume eggs but may destroy them when investigating nests. Eagles opportunistically raid nests, particularly waterfowl nests near hunting territories.
| Bird Type | Primary Targets | Predation Method | Peak Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crows/Ravens | Songbird nests, ground nests | Active searching, probing | Morning hours |
| Jays | Tree nests, platform nests | Systematic territory patrol | Dawn/dusk |
| Magpies | Open cup nests | Visual hunting | Full daylight |
| Gulls | Colonial nesters, beach nests | Opportunistic raids | Nesting season |
| Hawks | Medium-large bird nests | Incidental during hunting | Daytime |
Studies show corvid egg predation significantly impacts songbird reproduction in suburban and fragmented habitats where corvid populations have increased.
Monitor Lizards
Monitor lizards represent some of the most efficient reptilian egg predators. Nile monitors (Varanus niloticus), water monitors (Varanus salvator), and other large monitor species use powerful claws to dig up buried eggs and tear open nests. You’ll find these impressive reptiles particularly destructive to crocodile nests, turtle nests, and ground-nesting bird colonies.
These lizards possess keen senses of smell that help them locate buried eggs from considerable distances. A single monitor lizard can consume dozens of eggs in one feeding session, and they remember productive nesting sites, returning year after year. In some regions, monitor lizards have severely impacted endangered sea turtle populations despite conservation efforts.
Tegu Lizards
Tegu lizards have become notorious egg predators, particularly in areas where they’ve been introduced. The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) actively hunts for eggs, using its excellent sense of smell to locate buried nests. You’ll find tegus particularly problematic in Florida where introduced populations threaten native wildlife.
These large, intelligent lizards dig up turtle nests, raid ground-nesting bird colonies, and even break into chicken coops when hungry. Tegus consume eggs of all sizes, from small songbird eggs to large chicken and turkey eggs. Their populations in non-native ranges continue expanding, causing increasing conservation concerns for native species.
Mongooses
Mongooses rank among the most significant egg predators in many ecosystems. Small Indian mongooses (Urva auropunctata) and Egyptian mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon) actively hunt for eggs, causing substantial losses to ground-nesting birds and sea turtles. You’ll see mongoose egg predation reaching critical levels in island ecosystems where they’ve been introduced.
These agile carnivores use their keen senses to locate nests, and they’re particularly efficient at finding buried turtle eggs. Mongooses can devastate entire nesting colonies, with individual animals consuming multiple eggs daily. In Hawaii, introduced mongooses have contributed to the decline of numerous native bird species through persistent egg predation.
Civets
Several civet species include eggs in their omnivorous diet. The common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) and other civet species raid bird nests and occasionally dig up buried eggs.
You’ll find civets working primarily at night, using their excellent climbing ability to access tree nests and their strong sense of smell to locate ground nests.
Civets typically crack eggs open with their teeth and consume contents on-site. They remember productive nesting areas and return during subsequent breeding seasons.
While not as specialized as some egg predators, civets can significantly impact local bird populations, particularly in areas where habitat fragmentation concentrates nesting activity.
Hedgehogs
European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) opportunistically consume eggs when encountered during nocturnal foraging. You’ll find hedgehog egg predation concentrated on ground nests and low nests in dense vegetation.
These small mammals use their strong sense of smell to locate eggs, though they lack the climbing ability to reach elevated nests.
Hedgehogs typically bite small holes in eggshells and lap up contents rather than attempting to break eggs completely. Evidence of hedgehog predation includes eggs with small puncture holes and tracks showing five-toed prints with claw marks.
While individual hedgehogs don’t consume large quantities, their cumulative impact on ground-nesting birds can be significant in areas with high hedgehog populations.
Crabs
Various crab species prey on eggs, particularly in coastal environments. Ghost crabs (Ocypode species) actively dig up sea turtle nests, consuming hatchlings and unhatched eggs.
You’ll see crabs waiting near turtle nesting sites, sometimes attacking eggs immediately after deposition before female turtles complete nest covering. Land crabs and hermit crabs also consume bird eggs when accessible, particularly ground-nesting species on islands.
Research indicates crabs can destroy significant percentages of sea turtle nests on some beaches, making them important considerations in conservation programs. Their nocturnal activity and efficient digging make crabs persistent egg predators in appropriate habitats.
Ants
Several ant species actively prey on eggs, though they typically target smaller eggs or damaged larger eggs. Fire ants (Solenopsis species) attack bird eggs, particularly those of ground-nesting species, injecting venom and consuming contents over time. You’ll find fire ant predation especially problematic in southern regions where these invasive insects have established large colonies.
Army ants and driver ants in tropical regions raid nests systematically, overwhelming defenses through sheer numbers. Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) and carpenter ants opportunistically consume egg contents when shells are already damaged by other predators. While individual ants consume tiny amounts, colony-level predation can destroy entire clutches.
Important Note: Ant predation often goes unnoticed initially because damage accumulates gradually. By the time you discover affected eggs, ants may have been feeding for days.
Beetles
Certain beetle species prey on eggs, particularly dermestid beetles and some ground beetles. Carrion beetles (Silphidae family) consume egg contents when shells are cracked or punctured. You’ll find beetles primarily acting as secondary predators, exploiting eggs already damaged by larger animals.
Hide beetles and carpet beetles occasionally infest bird nests, consuming egg contents through small openings. While not primary egg predators, beetles can prevent successful hatching when infestations occur. Their small size allows access to nests in confined spaces where larger predators cannot reach.
Wasps
Several wasp species raid nests for eggs, though most wasp egg predation involves insect eggs rather than bird or reptile eggs. Yellowjackets (Vespula species) and paper wasps sometimes attack bird eggs, particularly when protein sources are scarce. You’ll see wasps chewing small holes in eggshells to access contents, leaving behind characteristic damage patterns.
Social wasps work cooperatively, with multiple individuals attacking the same nest. They’re particularly problematic for open-cup nesting birds where eggs are readily accessible. While not the most significant egg predators, wasps can cause substantial losses in areas with large wasp populations, especially during late summer when colonies reach peak size.
Protecting Eggs from Predators
Understanding what animals eat eggs helps you develop effective protection strategies. Whether you’re managing poultry, supporting wildlife conservation, or protecting backyard bird nests, recognizing these 28 egg predators allows you to implement appropriate deterrents.
From physical barriers like hardware cloth and electric fencing to habitat management that reduces predator access, you now have the knowledge to safeguard valuable eggs against nature’s persistent egg thieves.
