This is an intriguing question that does not have a simple or straightforward answer. Crocodiles have sharp, cone-shaped teeth that are used primarily for gripping and tearing prey – not as a food source for birds. However, there are some unusual relationships between crocodilians and birds that provide insight into how birds might interact with crocodile teeth.
Birds Cleaning Crocodile Teeth
There are reports of some bird species actually perching inside the mouths of crocodiles and picking food debris from their teeth. This type of symbiotic relationship is known as mutualism, where both species benefit – the birds get an easy meal while the crocodiles get their teeth cleaned.
Some specific examples include:
- Egyptian plovers – These small shorebirds are known to forage in the mouths of Nile crocodiles. They pick pieces of meat stuck between the teeth.
- Tickbirds – Small oxpecker birds are known to perch on large African crocodiles like Nile and crocodiles, occasionally pecking in their mouths.
- Spoonbills – The roseate spoonbill has been observed cleaning the teeth of American crocodiles in Central and South America.
So while not exactly “eating” the teeth, some birds do access crocodile mouths and feed on bits of food accompanying the teeth.
Birds Feeding on Crocodile Scraps
Birds will also scavenge on the leftovers from crocodile meals. After crocodiles have fed, scraps of meat and bone often remain stuck in their teeth. Opportunistic birds will then come and pick these pieces out.
Scavengers like vultures, storks, herons, and gulls are often seen feeding on the scraps around crocodile teeth and jaws. The huge crushing power of crocodiles often leaves fragments of prey scattered in the teeth that birds can access.
Nesting Inside Crocodile Mouths
There are some spectacular examples of birds actually building nests inside the mouths of crocodiles! This seems incredibly dangerous, but provides shelter and protection for the nesting birds.
Some cases of crocodile mouth-nesting include:
- Bee-eaters – These colorful birds are known to nest in underground burrows, often digging tunnels in sandy riverbanks. Sometimes they excavate right into areas where crocodiles lurk. There are reports of beeaters building nesting chambers right inside slumbering crocodiles’ mouths.
- Sparrows – The Kenya sparrow has been observed constructing nests in the mouths of basking Nile crocodiles. The nests are built right between the palate and tongue.
- Weaver birds – Aquatic yellow weaver birds have also been seen nesting inside of crocodile jaws, perching around the teeth.
While an extremely dangerous strategy, nesting inside a predator’s mouth seems to work for some intrepid birds!
Eating Crocodile Eggs
Many birds are known to feed on crocodile and alligator eggs. Female crocs lay their eggs in sandy nests and bury them for incubation. However, these nests often get raided by hungry birds.
Birds like herons, storks, ibises, jacanas, caracaras, and even wild turkeys are known crocodile egg predators. They dig up the nests and feast on the eggs. The thick shells don’t provide much deterrence against these voracious egg-eaters.
Birds Eating Crocodile Hatchlings
In addition to eggs, small crocodiles and alligators are preyed upon by birds after they’ve hatched. Hatchling crocs often fall victim to large wading birds.
Herons, egrets, hammerkops, and marabou storks are avid hunters of baby crocs. Their chicks provide a tasty, protein-rich meal for these big birds. Even raptors like bald eagles may occasionally prey on small, juvenile crocodilians.
Scavenging on Crocodile Carcasses
Birds are also known to feed on dead crocodilians. Large crocodile carcasses provide a bonanza for carrion-eaters.
Vultures are the most prominent crocodile scavengers. Groups of vultures will descend upon dead crocodiles and pick their carcasses clean. Other meat-eaters like gulls, crows, ravens, jackals, and hyenas may also feed on crocodile remains.
The huge, tearing jaws of crocodiles make for rapid meals. But once crocodiles die, the tables turn as birds and other predators gain access to feed on croc flesh.
Conclusion
While no birds directly eat or feed off crocodile teeth specifically, many unique relationships exist between birds and crocodilians:
- Symbiotic birds clean crocodile teeth
- Scavengers pick scraps from crocodile jaws
- Intrepid nest builders use crocodile mouths for shelter
- Egg raiders feast on buried crocodile eggs
- Predatory birds hunt baby crocodilians
- Vultures and raptors scavenge crocodile carcasses
So while crocodiles formidable teeth and jaws evolved for feeding, ironically they provide sustenance for a variety of clever and enterprising birds!
