High up from the forest floor, birds flit from limb to limb and weave their homes from leafy foliage, seemingly safe from predators that might be lurking in the forest below. But certain species of snakes have evolved remarkable traits that have enabled them to prey successfully upon birds. These snakes are skilled predators who have learned how to use stealth and patience, and accuracy to turn branches, nests, and even mid-flight moments into hunting opportunities. With agile bodies and strong climbing muscles, specialised scales and clever camouflage, they can scale thin limbs and snatch unsuspecting prey from amidst flocks of birds. Hunting birds is no easy business and demands a certain degree of physical control and flexibility.
Snakes that specialise in hunting birds in trees
Green Tree Python
The Green Tree Python spends most of its life basking on a branch, coiled around it, and camouflaged to perfection amongst the leaves. Equipped with heat-detecting pits, it can track down its preferred meat, warm-blooded bird species, even in low light conditions. Its prehensile tail is very helpful in assisting it to keep its balance while chasing its prey in the trees. Small bird species and nestling birds are its major targets for food. At a very young age, this python is yellow to red in colour; it takes time to turn green, a process that contributes to its perfection in camouflage.Boomslang
The Boomslang is a native species found in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Boomslang is very poisonous and a skilled bird hunter. The Boomslang is a skilled tree climber and predator, gliding effortlessly from one tree to another using its sharp vision to detect nesting birds, eggs, and bird perches. This adaptable species can hunt either from trees or shrubs and change methods according to the availability of its targets. Birds perched in trees and shrubs are most susceptible to Boomslang attacks because it stalks them patiently until it finds the best time to strike.Brown Tree Snake
The Brown Tree Snake is well known for its invasive distribution, most significantly in Guam. The diet of the juveniles comprises lizards, while the diet of the adult shades includes birds and small mammals. The tree-climbing ability of the snake allows it to readily access the bird nest, most significantly because it preys on birds during the night when they are least expecting an attack. The brown tree snake is remarkably adaptable, preying on birds in the forest, suburban areas, and plantations.Black Mamba
While it is popular as a ground-dwelling predator, the Black Mamba has the capability of hunting birds in trees when required. The Black Mamba demarcates its territory and usually has a center point for hunting from. The agility of the Black Mamba makes it possible for it to chase down chicks or flying juveniles from the trees. The venomous bite of the snake makes the birds go limp instantly. The birds are threatened from above as well as from the ground.Emerald Tree Boa
The Emerald Tree Boa is a sneaky hunter. It uses stealth, camouflage, and patience rather than hunting actively. The prehensile tail holds fast to branches, allowing it to constrict its prey silently. The green and white colors provide it with absolute camouflage in its rainforest habitat. This snake uses patience, too. It means that patience is as deadly as stealth in nature.Mangrove Snake
Despite the limited range, the Mangrove Snake has been found from South Asia to Australia, enjoying forest, mangrove, and even ground-dwelling habitats. Primarily a nocturnal animal, the Mangrove Snake preys on bird species at night when it is safe to do so, with the help of amazing night vision, which allows it to detect the slightest movements of the bird trees, and nests. Though mildly venomous and having a rear fang, the snake attacks with caution and precision.Golden Tree Snake
Source: Reptiles and Amphibians of Thailand
The Golden Tree Snake is an elegant and efficient hunter that lives an extremely arboreal lifestyle. It blends in beautifully with the leaves of the trees to camouflage itself. It hunts for birds and their nests. It attacks quickly so that the prey cannot escape. It coils around its prey so that it does not escape. It is an efficient hunter just like other snakes. It blends in with the beauty of the sky.
About the Author
