How do rats steal eggs from a nest? - briefly
Rats detect bird nests, use their agile paws and incisors to breach the shell or pry the egg out, then transport it in their mouths. They typically act under cover of darkness, exploiting the nest’s fragile construction to seize the eggs swiftly.
How do rats steal eggs from a nest? - in detail
Rats approach a bird’s nest by locating it through scent, visual cues, or the presence of hatchlings. They use their acute sense of smell to detect the odor of eggs and the heat emitted by developing embryos. Once the nest is identified, a rat typically follows these steps:
- Approach and assessment: The animal moves stealthily, testing the stability of the nest structure and the proximity of the adult birds. It may wait for the birds to leave the immediate area before proceeding.
- Entry: Using its flexible body, the rat squeezes through gaps in the nest’s weave or pulls aside loose twigs and leaves. Sharp claws assist in gripping the nesting material.
- Extraction: The rat grasps an egg with its forepaws, positioning the head between the egg’s ends to apply pressure. Muscular jaws crack the shell or, more often, the rat pulls the egg intact out of the nest.
- Transport: The rat carries the egg in its mouth or drags it using its hind limbs, often moving toward a concealed burrow or a secluded feeding site. If the egg is too large, the rat may break it into smaller fragments to consume the contents directly.
- Consumption or storage: Inside the safe location, the rat either cracks the shell and eats the yolk and albumen immediately, or it stores the egg for later consumption, sometimes burying it to protect it from scavengers.
Rats exploit the nest’s vulnerability by acting quickly, using their dexterity and strong incisors to overcome the protective barriers. Their nocturnal activity reduces the likelihood of detection by the parent birds, increasing the success rate of egg pilferage.