Human-sized birds that specialize in eating crocodile babies, but there are large birds that prey on crocodiles, particularly when they are young and vulnerable.
Human sized birds are opportunistic feeders they take available food sources. Crocodile hatchlings provide a nutritious meal, rich in protein and other nutrients essential for the birds’ survival, growth, and reproduction.
Crocodiles hatchlings are small and defenseless, posing little threat to large birds, During certain times of the year food become scarce, prompting birds to expand their diet to include more readily available prey like crocodile hatchlings.
Some of these birds are –
1. Marabou Stork a large bird, found in sub-Saharan Africa, has been known to eat a wide variety of prey, including young crocodiles. It stands about 5 feet tall, with a wingspan of around 10 feet.
2. African Fish Eagle not as large as a human, this eagle preys on fish and occasionally small reptiles, including baby crocodiles. It is about 2.2 feet tall, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet.
3. Steller’s Sea Eagle found in coastal areas of northeast Asia, this eagle is one of the largest in the world and preys on fish, birds, and occasionally young reptiles.
4. Black Kite is not as large as the others, black kites are opportunistic feeders and have been known to prey on baby crocodiles when the opportunity arises.
5. Shoebill birds found in freshwater swamps in Africa from South Sudan to Zambia eats baby crocodiles and kills its siblings. It can reach heights of up to five feet, making them one of the tallest birds in the world.
These birds are opportunistic predators and scavengers, and young crocodiles can fall prey to them along with other natural threats they face in the wild.