Herbivorous Birds

[Adam Cheeseman]

Hi All,

As there are several threads going around at the moment complaining about birds that eat other birds and creatures to be controlled, or that there are too many and so forth, I thought I would ask this question.

Without looking in field guides or on the internet etc, how many completely herbivorous bird species can you think of? It's not as easy as you think.

Cheers,

Adam

[Gill Catton]

geese, swans and some ducks (shoveller, widgeon)

Though presumably they eat a few invertebrates or fish fry as 'by-catch' or even on purpose (watching mallard's chase flies has to be one of the funniest things ever!).

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

geese, swans and some ducks (shoveller, widgeon)

Though presumably they eat a few invertebrates or fish fry as 'by-catch' or even on purpose (watching mallard's chase flies has to be one of the funniest things ever!).

Animal food is important part of a Shoveler's diet (especially crutacea such as ostracods + Cladocera), but I'd agree with the others. Apparently Linnet + Twite are the only finches that don't feed their chicks on insect food, so these two should qualify.

[Goatboy]

It's an interesting point Adam.

It's very easy to demonise some animals and not others. It would come as a bit of a shock to some people that Herons will eat chicks and that Woodpeckers are partial to raiding the odd nest for eggs. Nature can be very cruel sometimes but the idea of humans interfering (more accurate word than controlling) on these grounds always makes me feel uneasy.

[paulchandler6]

There are probably more than we know? I always thought Capercallie were herbivores so maybe thats another one.
Woodpeckers will also take small chicks especially Tits. More as an oppurtunist feeder rather than actively hunting them.

Paul

[kiwi]

crossbills i think

[Nicola Main]

Gamebirds are herbivorous aren't they? Or do they occasionally eat insects? It is a really hard question that!!! I'm sure some finches don't eat animal matter. It is a bit hypocritical for people to prefer a bird species that is herbivorous and not like one that is a carnivore or an omnivore even. Don't we eat animals?

[Blackbrook Eye]

Woodpidgeons and Doves are some that come to mind, game birds do feed their young on insects and small invertibrates.

[Elizabeth B]

Originally Posted by Goatboy

It's an interesting point Adam.

It's very easy to demonise some animals and not others. It would come as a bit of a shock to some people that Herons will eat chicks and that Woodpeckers are partial to raiding the odd nest for eggs. Nature can be very cruel sometimes but the idea of humans interfering (more accurate word than controlling) on these grounds always makes me feel uneasy.

A great spotted woodpecker raided our nest box - and took three of our bluetit chicks!

[thunder]

Originally Posted by Nicola Main

Gamebirds are herbivorous aren't they? Or do they occasionally eat insects? It is a really hard question that!!! I'm sure some finches don't eat animal matter. It is a bit hypocritical for people to prefer a bird species that is herbivorous and not like one that is a carnivore or an omnivore even. Don't we eat animals?

Invertebrate food is important for Grey Partridges, and Pheasants have been blamed for some declines in butterflies and moths, as they eat their pupae

henrya

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by kiwi

crossbills i think

The adults certainly are, but the young are fed on conifer aphids.