Types of Birds Safe to Eat in an Emergency

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Have you ever looked in the sky and seen the number of birds available in your area if you needed a new food source? I don’t know about you, but I’ve always wondered what types of birds are safe to eat in an emergency. In a survival situation, food is essential to maintain energy levels and stay alive. One potential food source that can be found almost everywhere is birds. While not all birds are safe to eat, many are, and knowing which ones can provide sustenance in an emergency could be a lifesaver. I want to discuss the types of birds safe to eat in an emergency or if meat becomes scarce.

Types of Birds Safe to Eat in an Emergency

Pigeons and Doves

Pigeons and doves are common in both urban and rural environments, making them an accessible food source. These small birds are not only safe to eat but also relatively easy to catch. Their meat is lean and high in protein, which makes it a valuable resource in an emergency.

How to Catch Pigeons and Doves

To catch pigeons or doves, look for areas where they congregate, like parks, public squares, or near water sources. You can use a simple snare or bird trap to capture them. Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly to avoid any bacteria and related potential diseases.

Waterfowl: Ducks and Geese

Ducks and geese are another excellent option for emergency food. They are widely distributed across various habitats, including marshes, lakes, and ponds. Waterfowl provide a more substantial meal than smaller birds like pigeons or doves, and their fat content can be especially beneficial in a survival situation. These may be one of the safest types of birds to eat in an emergency.

How to Catch Waterfowl

Catching ducks and geese can be more challenging due to their wariness and ability to fly away quickly. However, if you manage to find a nesting area or a spot where they congregate, you may have success using a net or improvised trap. Once caught, pluck the feathers and clean the bird before cooking it thoroughly.

Game Birds: Quail, Pheasant, and Grouse

Quail, pheasant, and grouse are popular game birds in the edibles category that are safe to eat in an emergency. They are typically found in grasslands, forests, and other natural habitats. These birds offer a good amount of meat and are known for their delicious flavor, although it tastes more “gamey” due to their diet. Raising Quail: What You Need to Know

How to Catch Game Birds

Game birds can be challenging to catch due to their elusive nature and excellent camouflage. However, they often have specific routines and areas where they feed or rest, making setting up snares or traps in these locations possible. Be patient, and remember to cook the meat thoroughly to kill any potential parasites.

Seabirds: Gulls and Terns

Seabirds like gulls and terns can be found in coastal areas and are safe to eat in an emergency, although their meat may taste fishy due to their diet. In a survival situation, beggars can’t be choosers, and seabirds can provide much-needed sustenance.

How to Catch Seabirds

Seabirds can be caught using nets or improvised traps near their nesting or resting areas. Be cautious when handling these birds, as they may try to peck or bite. As with all wild-caught birds, cook the meat thoroughly to eliminate any potential health risks.

Chickens and Turkeys

Chickens and turkeys are domesticated birds that are safe to eat in an emergency. They are commonly found on farms or in rural areas, and their meat is both familiar and nutritious. Although they are domesticated, they can come with salmonella, so it’s important to properly cook the birds to minimize any health risks.

How to Catch Chickens and Turkeys

Catching chickens and turkeys can be relatively simple, especially if they are confined to a coop or pen. If the birds are free-ranging, you may need to use stealth and patience to get close enough to catch them. Once caught, pluck the feathers and clean the bird before cooking it thoroughly.

Safety Precautions and Cooking Tips

When consuming wild-caught birds in an emergency, always follow these safety precautions:

1. Cook the meat thoroughly: Raw or undercooked bird meat can carry parasites or diseases that can harm humans. Cooking the meat until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) will help kill any pathogens.
2. Avoid sick or dead birds: Do not consume birds that appear sick, injured, or dead. These birds may carry diseases or have been exposed to toxins that could be harmful if ingested.
3. Clean and prepare the bird properly: Remove the feathers, head, and entrails before cooking. Be sure to wash your hands and any tools used to avoid cross-contamination.

Ways of catching the birds are outlined, what about shooting the birds instead?

Hopefully, you’ve planned ahead and evaluated your options in acquiring birds and other meat sources like rodents, reptiles, small game, and other wildlife. Depending on where you live, most states have licensing requirements that have to be met. It makes sense to do your research and inquire about what birds and other wildlife require a license to capture or kill. Also, inquire if there are any exemptions during emergency situations. Be sure to do your due diligence and have documentation about what is allowed and how to comply.

Note that the type of weapon used is important. A large caliber shotgun or rifle will likely destroy the smaller birds and small game, making the meat worthless. There are special shotguns used for birds like pigeons and doves so less “shot” is used to penetrate their bodies.

There are also issues when it comes to accessing private property. You can’t assume that the land is accessible due to the emergency. Property owners can be less than friendly if you trespass on their property without prior permission.

Are there health benefits to eating birds?

The benefits of eating meat and poultry are many. Meat sources provide protein that is critical for growth and development. Other nutrients we need are also found in the meat, such as iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins (especially B12), minerals, and essential amino acids.

The configuration and amounts of nutrients vary from bird to bird based on their diet. Most eat various forms of vegetation and include berries and grains.

Another option is to look for and eat bird eggs. Eggs contain Omega-3 fatty acids, are also high in protein, and essential minerals, and can prove helpful for eyes, brain health, lower the risk of heart disease due to the amount of good cholesterol.

Final Word

Knowing which types of birds are safe to eat in an emergency can be a valuable skill in a survival situation. Pigeons, doves, waterfowl, game birds, seabirds, and domesticated birds like chickens and turkeys all provide sustenance when other food sources may be scarce. Always remember to cook the meat thoroughly and follow proper safety precautions to ensure a safe and nutritious meal. What types of birds that are safe to eat in an emergency would you consume? I’d love to hear your thoughts! May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Domestic Ducks on Green Grass Depositphotos_129283178_S, Wild Ducks Depositphotos_5757555_S