Several bird species are known to prey on snakes. These birds employ various hunting strategies to catch and consume one of nature's most feared creatures
Image: Unsplash
From the secretary bird to the great horned owl, here are 8 bird species that prey on and eat snakes
Image: Unsplash
Secretary bird, originally from Africa, employs powerful kicks and sharp beaks to kill venomous snakes before consuming them
Image: Unsplash
Crested caracara, native to Central and South America, uses its pointed beak and excellent vision to catch reptiles, including snakes
Image: Unsplash
Brown snake eagle, found in sub-Saharan Africa, preys on both venomous and non-venomous snakes with its strong talons and sharp beak
Image: Unsplash
Red-tailed hawk swoops down with deadly accuracy to seize and kill snakes, sometimes even working with a partner to corner their prey
Image: Unsplash
Short-toed snake eagle is renowned for catching snakes in mid-flight. It possesses outstanding vision and tough scales on its legs for defence
Image: Unsplash
Roadrunners, known for their speed and agility, hunt small snakes, including rattlesnakes, striking at the head and then bashing it against a hard surface to kill it
Image: Unsplash
Certain kingfisher species, like the Collared Kingfisher, are known to catch small snakes in wetland areas, using speed and accuracy to capture their prey
Image: Unsplash
The great horned owl uses its exceptional hearing and sharp talons to locate and capture snakes, often striking quietly from above