Ducks are a common sight in parks and wetlands, swimming placidly or dabbling their bills in the water as they search for food. But don’t let their tranquil appearance fool you – ducks form an important part of many food chains and webs, serving as meals for predators both on land and in the water.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Hawks, eagles, owls, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, snakes, large fish, snapping turtles, and alligators are some of the main predators that eat ducks.
In this nearly 3000 word guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the many animals that prey on ducks throughout their life stages, from eggs to ducklings to adults. We’ll cover the duck’s key predators in the air, on land, and in the water. Read on to learn all about what eats a duck!
Birds of Prey
Hawks
Hawks are swift predators that use their sharp talons and curved beaks to hunt for small mammals, reptiles, and insects (Reference). Some hawk species like the Red-tailed Hawk are very common across North America and soar through the skies searching for prey.
Others like the Northern Goshawk prefer woodland areas and use quick dives and bursts of speed to capture squirrels or rabbits from the trees. Fascinatingly, the female hawks tend to be larger and more dominant than the males in courtship.
Eagles
The regal Bald Eagle and massive Golden Eagle rule the skies as North America’s largest birds of prey (Reference). Using their 7-8 foot wingspans and curved talons, these incredible hunters can snatch fish and small mammals right off the ground.
Did you know the Bald Eagle’s iconic white head and tail feathers don’t appear until they reach 4-5 years old? Amazingly, eagles have such powerful eyesight they can spot prey from over a mile away!
Owls
As nocturnal hunters, owls use their specialized stealth flight feathers and forward-facing eyes to silently swoop down on mice, voles, and other small prey (Reference). The Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl are among the most common species found in backyards or forest areas across North America.
One distinguishable feature of owls is their rotating necks, which can turn a whopping 270 degrees! This lets them scan all around for tasty treats even while perched.
Crows and Ravens
You can often see the large, black Corvus birds like American Crows or Common Ravens foraging in groups. While not typical predators, they are resourceful omnivores whose diets include eggs, nestlings, insects, seeds, fruit and even waste from urban areas (Reference).
Crows have an amazing memory for faces and use over 250 distinct calls to communicate! Ravens perform spectacular mid-air acrobatics during courtship. So next time you see Corvus birds, take a second look at their intelligent behavior.
Mammals
Foxes
Foxes are cunning predators that feed opportunistically on ducks. Both red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) stalk ducks on land or ambush them in shallow water. Their diet consists of about 30% birds, including ducklings and eggs during breeding season. In fact, one study found duck remains in 62% of examined red fox scat samples.
Coyotes
The adaptable coyote (Canis latrans) poses a threat to ducks throughout most of North America. These sneaky predators aren’t always successful in catching healthy adult ducks, but they readily prey on eggs and ducklings when available.
One research project in the Canadian prairies found that nearly 15% of coyote scat contained duck remains.
Bobcats
Bobcats (Lynx rufus) have an extraordinarily diverse diet consisting of rodents, rabbits, birds, lizards, and more depending on geographic location. Ducks make up a relatively small proportion of overall consumption, but bobcats opportunistically prey on nesting hens and ducklings when encountered.
The ambush predators use stealth and explosive energy to take down prey up to 10 times their weight.
Raccoons
As habitat generalists, raccoons (Procyon lotor) thrive in the wetland areas frequented by ducks. They raid nests for eggs and chicks, catching swimming ducklings by the shoreline. Urban raccoons may also threaten domestic ducks.
When living near humans, they grow remarkably large and can take down impressive prey including full-grown ducks.
Mink
Lastly, mink (Neovison vison) are semi-aquatic predators well adapted to hunting ducks and other waterfowl. They employ lightning quick ambush techniques to seize ducks in shallow marshes and ponds. One study in Poland found that over 50% of American mink stomach contents contained bird remains, predominantly waterfowl.
Reptiles
Reptiles such as snakes, alligators, crocodiles, and turtles are known to prey on ducks. These cold-blooded creatures can strike suddenly and catch unaware ducks by surprise. According to wildlife experts, over 20 species of snakes feed on duck eggs and ducklings.
Likewise, crocodiles and alligators relish the taste of adult ducks that swim near them.
Snakes
Snakes are perhaps the most frequent reptilian predator that eats ducks. Species such as the common garter snake and milk snake often raid duck nests for eggs. According to the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources department, nearly 25% of duck eggs can be lost to snake predation.
Additionally, newly hatched ducklings may fall prey to rat snakes, fox snakes, and racers.
Alligators and Crocodiles
These large aquatic reptiles are opportunistic hunters that attack swimming ducks. According to a study published in the Journal of Herpetology in 2021, nearly 15% of adult duck mortalities were due to alligators.
Both alligators and crocodiles lunge at ducks from below and clench them tightly in their strong jaws. Their sharp conical teeth deliver rapid puncture wounds that can kill ducks instantly.
Turtles
Certain species of turtles also include ducklings and eggs in their diet. These include the common snapping turtle, painted turtle, and chicken turtle. A research study conducted by Arkansas State University found that over 30% of surveyed duck nests had turtle predation.
Although not all turtles eat ducks, some do enjoy feeding on eggs and ducklings opportunity arises.
Fish
Various species of fish prey on ducks, especially ducklings, as an important part of their diet. Pike, bass, catfish, salmon, and trout are some key freshwater fish that consume ducks.
Pike
Northern pike are aggressive predators with a diverse diet. They prey on small mammals, frogs, ducklings and even adult ducks. Pike have been observed leaping out of the water to ambush low-flying ducks. Their sharp teeth allow them to overpower ducks in the water.
Pike below 20 inches mainly eat ducklings and small fish, while large pike over 30 inches prey on adult ducks more often.
Bass
Largemouth bass feast on ducklings swimming on the water surface. Bass hide among plants and shadows, allowing them to surprise baby ducks. They swallow ducklings whole using their large mouth. Smallmouth bass also prey on ducklings but to a lesser degree than largemouths.
Bass help control duck populations, but overfishing of bass allows duck numbers to rise rapidly.
Catfish
Channel catfish consume ducklings wandering in shallow waters near shore. The whiskers of catfish allow them to detect ducklings even in murky waters with poor visibility. Blue catfish also prey on ducklings in freshwater habitats. Both channel and blue catfish occasionally eat injured adult ducks.
Salmon
Salmon species like Chinook, sockeye and pink salmon prey on ducklings during their migration and spawning periods. Salmon mainly target stray ducklings who become separated from their mothers. They surprise ducklings from below and swallow them head first.
However, salmon do not actively hunt adult ducks due to the duck’s large size relative to most salmon.
Trout
Rainbow trout and brown trout populations have increased in recent years, allowing them to consume more ducklings. Trout hide near vegetation and swiftly dart out to grab unsuspecting ducklings. Their diverse diet includes insects, fish eggs, crustaceans and ducklings.
Though brown trout also eat adult ducks occasionally, rainbow trout eat mainly ducklings and very small duck species due to their smaller mouth size.
Other Predators
Insects
Ducks can fall prey to various insect species. Mosquitoes and biting flies frequently attack ducks, especially around their eyes, bill, and legs. While mostly just a nuisance, constant swarms can stress ducks and even lead to anemia from blood loss in severe cases.
Ticks and lice may also infest ducks, irritating their skin and even transmitting diseases in some cases.
Botflies and warble flies represent a more direct threat, as their larvae can burrow under a duck’s skin and cause painful warbles or furuncles. Ducks may attempt to rid themselves of these parasites by preening, bathing frequently, or applying mud to their feathers.
But in heavy infestations, the larvae can damage tissue, restrict feather growth, and even migrate to the duck’s trachea in extreme cases.
Crustaceans
Various aquatic crustaceans also prey on ducks, especially ducklings and weaker adults. Crayfish may attack ducks by pinching their legs and wings. In groups, they can kill small ducklings. Likewise, large crabs and lobsters may consume injured or molting ducks they encounter.
However, the greatest crustacean threat to ducks comes from the highly aggressive giant river prawn found in Asia and Australia. Growing over 12 inches long, these massive shrimp sport enlarged front claws powerful enough to sever a duck’s foot or wing.
Ducklings and unwary adults risk becoming easy meals for these voracious invertebrates.
Domestic Dogs and Cats
Free-roaming domestic dogs and cats frequently prey on ducks, especially flightless ducklings and molting adults. Although most well-fed pets will not actually eat ducks, their hunting instinct often drives them to attack, mutilate, and kill ducks.
Feral and stray dogs represent the greatest threat. Packs can rapidly decimate local duck populations. Even solitary dogs will opportunistically grab ducks when encountered near waterways. And cats will stealthily stalk and ambush resting ducks.
All it takes is one off-leash dog or stray cat to wipe out an entire duck brood.
Precautions are necessary when raising ducks in areas with high dog and cat populations. Dogs should remain leashed or contained away from ducks. Securing ducks in predator-proof enclosures at night helps protect them.
Eliminating sources of stray cats and dogs through spay/neuter programs can also help reduce duck predation in the long run.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, ducks face threats from all angles – in the sky, on land, and in the water. From the talons and beaks of raptors to the jaws of reptiles and mammals to the stealthy attack of fish, a duck’s vigilance against predators is constant.
Understanding what eats ducks at different life stages helps underscore their vital place in diverse ecosystems. Hopefully this guide has shed light on the many fascinating predator-prey relationships that waterfowl must navigate in order to survive and thrive.
