Reply #22: Wouldn't call them birds of prey, like owls or raptors.

[sarge43]

Being omnivores they eat what's available and easiest to get. Animals, especially birds, are careful to calculate energy expended verses energy gained; they won't waste energy getting food if there isn't a balanced return for the effort. Birds of prey can get away with a one in three success rate on kills because protein gives a high return.

So, dropping like a sack of cement into the middle of a flock of birds honking down the ground seed Mr or Mrs Sarge just put out is easier (and more fun) than expending energy flying around looking for an unguarded nest of hatchings. Especially if a very angry mom and/or dad catches you and kicks your butt down the line of maples.