Hawks are birds of prey, which means they hunt other animals for food. Exclusively carnivores, their diet consists mainly of small mammals, invertebrates, and birds.
However, given that hawks are opportunistic feeders — who will eat whatever they can catch — you may wonder: do hawks eat frogs?
Do Hawks Eat Frogs?
The answer? Yes, hawks will eat frogs. As a predatory bird species, hawks see any small animals (living or dead) as a possible food source, so if a frog crosses their path, it will most likely go for it.
The likelihood of a hawk feasting on a frog depends on things such as species, food availability, and climate.
For instance, frogs can thrive in multiple climates; urban, tropical or even desert! According to PBS, there are over 5,000 species of frogs around the world, so you can assume that they come into contact with hawks, who can also thrive in a variety of environments.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about the hawks, when and how often they eat frogs, plus, the species most likely to do so!
What Kind of Hawks Eat Frogs?
Now what we’ve established that hawks eat frogs, let’s talk about which kind of hawks eat frogs.
As mentioned above, there are many different types of hawks, and some are more likely to eat frogs than others.
Here are some kinds of hawks that do eat frogs:
Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawk is a medium-sized hawk that is native to North America. This type of hawk is known to eat small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
However, they will also eat frogs if given the opportunity. Cooper’s hawks typically hunt from a perch and then swoop down on their prey. They are very quick and agile, which allows them to catch their prey off guard.
If you see a Cooper’s hawk in your backyard, there’s a good chance it will go for any frogs that it comes across.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned hawk is a little falcon that’s frequently spotted down in South America. Known for its fast and spry hunting style, this falcon ordinarily goes after little birds, yet it will likewise eat frogs whenever offered the chance.
They frequently chase in thickly lush regions where they can shock their prey.
Northern Goshawk
The Northern goshawk is a large hawk that is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. This type of hawk typically preys on small mammals and birds. However, it will also eat frogs if given the opportunity.
Northern goshawks are known for their aggressive hunting style. They often hunt from a perch and then dive down on their prey.
Do Hawks Eat Toads?
Like frogs, toads are amphibians. However, there are a few important distinguishing factors. According to brittanica.com,, there are key differences between frogs and toads.
While the structure of the animal looks similar, frogs have glossy, moist skin, while toads have dry, bumpy skin. Frogs also live near moist, wet climates, while toads can thrive in dryer conditions.
Toads are also typically larger than frogs and have dry, warty skin. Toads also have poison glands that can make them unpalatable to predators. For these reasons, toads are not a preferred choice of prey for hawks. However, if a hawk comes across a toad, it may still eat it. Take a look at some different types of toads:
Cane Toads
Cane toads are a type of toad that is native to Central and South America. They are regularly large and have dry, warty skin.
Cane toads also have poisonous organs meaning they are not a preferred choice of prey for hawks. However, if any hawk comes to a cane toad, it might in any case eat it.
Natterjack Toads
This type of toad is located in Europe and North Africa. They are typically smaller than other toad species, but have the typical dry, warty skin. Natterjack toads also have poison glands that can make them unpalatable hunters. For these reasons, natterjack toads are not a preferred choice of prey for hawks.
American Toads
The American frog is a sort of amphibian that is local to North America. They are ordinarily medium-sized and have dry, warty skin. American amphibians likewise have poison organs that can make them unpalatable to hunters. Hence, American toads are not a favored decision of prey for falcons.
Notwithstanding, in the event that a hungry hawk runs across an American toad, it may eat it!
4. Bufo Toads
Bufo toads are a type of toad that is native to South America. They are typically large and have dry, warty skin. Bufo toads also have poison glands that can make them unpalatable to predators.
5. Fowler’s Toads
Fowler’s toads are a kind of amphibian that is local to North America. They are commonly little and have dry, warty skin. Fowler’s frogs additionally have poison organs for hunters.
Do Hawks Eat Tadpoles?
Tadpoles are the larval stage of frogs. They are typically small and do not have legs or arms.
While hawks will prey on baby mammals or even bird eggs, hawks prefer larger prey that can provide them with enough sustenance. Therefore, tadpoles are not a preferred choice of prey for hawks.
However, if a hawk is desperate and hungry enough, and comes across a tadpole, it may still eat it.
Conclusion
So do hawks eat frogs? Yes, if they’re hungry enough. Are they their preferred prey? No, not exactly.
Hawks are carnivores, who prefer bulky meals, including small mammals and different types of birds, but they will still eat frogs if given the opportunity.
We hope you enjoyed this article. And while you’re here, check out our guide about wild bird feeders!