What Do Crows Eat? All you Need to Know

There are around 45 different kinds of crows in the Corvus group, which also includes rooks, ravens, and crows. Crows have strong beaks and are not picky eaters. So, what do crows like to eat?

All types of crows are flexible eaters. They will eat almost anything, such as insects, small creatures, meat from animals or dead animals (carrion), nuts, seeds, veggies, and other plants.

Because of their big, strong beaks, crows can eat a wide variety of foods. This includes other birds, their babies, and their eggs. Some crows are skilled hunters, but most of the time, they eat whatever food they come across.

Keep reading to learn more about how these clever and curious birds find their food!

What do wild crows eat?

There are many kinds of crows, about 45 species, including rooks and ravens. What they eat can vary depending on where they live and the type of crow they are. Generally, though, crows are very good at finding food.

For example, Carrion Crows, which are common, eat carrion (dead animals), insects, worms, small mammals, and plants. Some crows, like Hooded crows, even like to eat fish and shellfish. They drop these from a height to crack their shells.

In general, crows eat:

1. Small animals and birds, like lizards, rodents, and amphibians, whether they are alive or dead.
2. Seeds, nuts, and beans.
3. Vegetables, flowers, bulbs, and other plant parts.
4. Eggs.
5. Insects, worms, and other small creatures.
6. Fish, shellfish, and mollusks.
7. Leftovers from human food.

Crows are also good hunters. Some, like the Large-Billed crow, hunt lizards. American crows and New Caledonian crows even use tools to get grubs from logs. This shows how smart crows can be.

Also Read: Crow Nesting Behavior

What do crows eat in winter?

During winter, crows change what they eat because insects become scarce. They still dig up some insects from the ground, but they eat more grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. They also scavenge for human food scraps. Many crows visit bird feeders and tables in the winter.

What do baby crows eat?

Baby crows need very soft food for the first couple of weeks. Their parents regurgitate food into their mouths as many other birds do. After about a week, the chicks also eat soft grubs, maggots, and partly digested food.

Are crows omnivores?

Yes, all types of crows are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Some crows prefer more meat in their diet, like the Fish crow, which eats fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. The Australian Raven is also mostly a meat-eater. On the other hand, the Cuban crow mostly eats fruits and nuts. Overall, crows are flexible and can eat whatever they need to survive.

What foods should you avoid feeding crows?

Crows shouldn’t eat too much bread or processed foods. Like all birds, crows shouldn’t eat food that has gone moldy. Foods that have a lot of salt and sugar aren’t good for crows or any birds. When you feed birds, try not to give them too much bread. It’s better to give them grains, seeds, and plant-based foods instead.

Do crows like peanuts?

Crows really enjoy unsalted, unflavored peanuts. Some people even suggest giving crows peanuts to make them give you “gifts” in return. Crows have been seen bringing humans “gifts,” like shiny things, plastic, glass, and stones, in exchange for peanuts and other high-energy foods.

Do crows eat squirrels?

Crows could hunt squirrels, especially young or sick ones. Catching a healthy adult squirrel might be tough for most crows.

Also Read: How Long Do Crows Live 

Do crows eat other birds?

Yes, crows often eat other birds. They are known for attacking and eating other birds, especially baby birds that are still in nests or just learning to fly. Magpies, which are related to crows, also have a reputation for hunting baby birds.

Do crows eat baby birds from other nests?

Crows, along with other Corvids, are known to eat baby birds, both those learning to fly and those still in nests. If crows find a nest with unguarded baby birds, they might eat the babies and their eggs. However, this behavior can vary among different types of crows.

Crows don’t actively search for baby birds to eat. They usually have enough food options, and there are easier meals available.

Do crows eat mice?

Crows do eat mice and other small rodents and animals. While they can hunt, they aren’t specialists at catching fast mice. However, they will still eat them if they come across them.

Do crows eat rabbits?

For most crows, hunting an adult rabbit is quite challenging because they aren’t adapted to catch fast prey. Crows might eat rabbits if they find ones that are sick, injured, or already dead. Sometimes, crows team up to mob larger animals and birds, which could include rabbits.

Do crows eat corn?

Crows will eat corn if it’s available in their area. Corn is a nutritious food for birds, including crows.

Is it against the law to feed crows?

Feeding crows is not illegal, but it is against the law to poison them in the UK and the US. In some cases, people have been fined for excessive bird feeding in the UK if it causes problems or disturbs the public. For instance, a woman in Glamorgan was fined £3,000 for breaching a community protection notice due to her excessive bird feeding.

What do crows eat in the United States?

All species of crows in the US are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. American crows, in particular, have a varied diet that includes carrion (dead animals), insects, invertebrates, seeds, fruits, and whatever else they can find because they are scavengers.

What do crows eat in Australia?

The Australian Raven is one of the more carnivorous types of crows in Australia. They mostly eat small rodents, lizards, shellfish, insects, and invertebrates.