Are Birds Ominvores, Carnivores or Herbivores?

Depending on the species, a bird may be a carnivore, an omnivore or an herbivore. Larger birds with sharp talons are more likely to be carnivores, while small birds with beaks built for cracking nuts are more likely to be herbivores.

There are about 10,000 living species of birds and the cross the spectrum from meat eater to purely plant eater. The carnivores eat only meat, usually small animals and other smaller birds. Species of birds that are carnivores include owls, eagles, hawks and falcons. The omnivores eat both meat and plants, but the meat is more likely to be from small insects and worms. Species of omnivorous birds include, chickens, robins and ostriches. The herbivore eats only plants, but for birds this usually means fruits, berries, nuts and seeds. Herbivorous birds include cockatoos, macaws and parakeets.