Spiders That Kill Birds

When thinking of spiders, it is common for people to think about small species that are common in gardens and homes across America, spiders that trap flies and other flying insects in their webs. However, like most other animals, spiders vary greatly in size, aggression, hunting style and diet. Consequently, there are several spiders across the world that can and do kill prey such as birds.

  1. Australian Tarantula

    • Australian tarantulas are often referred to as bird-eating spiders, although fully grown birds are only caught on rare occasions. It is much more common for these large spiders, who live in web covered ground burrows, to attack hatchlings which are found on the ground in nests. The Australian tarantula will also eat insects, lizards, frogs, and other spiders. They are native to areas of Australia including the states of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. The Australian tarantulas are often kept as pets, despite possessing a painful bite.

    Golden Orb Weaver

    • The golden orb weaver spider is not the largest spider but it is renowned for creating one of the strongest webs, meaning they do on occasion trap small birds which get caught in them. Although it is a general rule that orb weavers only kill birds which get trapped in its web on rare occasions, in Australia in 2008 a photograph was taken showing a giant golden orb weaver eating a large bird it had caught in its web. The Golden Orb Web Spider's venom is generally harmless to humans.

    Mexican Red-Kneed Bird-Eating Spider

    • These huge spiders have a leg span of more than 5 inches and are covered in fine black hairs, with yellow and orange hairs around the knee joints -- hence the name. Like most other bird-eating spiders, they can be found in burrows and use stealth and speed to attack their prey, which includes small invertebrates, small birds, mammals and reptiles. They are native to Mexico and can cause pain to a human if bitten.

    Goliath Bird-Eating Spider

    • Goliath Bird-Eating Spiders are native to South American, found in Venezuela, northern Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname. They are lightening quick, despite growing up to 12 inches in size. They prey on insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds and even small mammals. Once it bites a bird, its venom attacks the nervous system and leaves the prey paralyzed.