What Animals Eat Alder? Seeds, Catkins, and Bark

There are many animals that eat alder. Some of these animals include beavers, rabbits, deer, muskrats, redpolls, crossbills, doves, grosbeaks, sparrows, and woodcocks.

Alder is a type of tree that grows in the Northern Hemisphere. It can be found growing along streams and rivers, as well as on the edges of lakes and ponds. The bark has a reddish hue to it and resembles cork when it peels off. Some animals eat Alder fruit, seeds, leaves, or roots for their nutritional value or because they are browsing through them looking for something else to eat.

Mammals that eat alder

  • Beaver
  • Cottontail Rabbit
  • Deer
  • Hare
  • Moose
  • Muskrats
  • Elk

Birds that eat alder

  • Redpoll
  • Pine Siskin
  • Crossbill
  • Dove
  • American Goldfinch
  • Grosbeak
  • Sparrow
  • Tufted Titmouse

Waterbirds that eat alder

  • Bobwhite Quail
  • Grouse
  • Woodcock

A few animal profiles

The following list provides you with information about some of these animals:

Beavers are rodents that live in North America and Eurasia. They are the largest members of the family Castoridae, which also includes rats, mice, and voles. Beavers are known for their dam-building abilities and their characteristic flat tails. They eat alder, water lilies, and aquatic plants.

Cottontail rabbits live in North America and they are the smallest of all the leporidae genus. The cottontail rabbit is sympatric with the black-tailed jackrabbit, white-tailed jackrabbit and snowshoe hare within its range. They enjoy alder, clovers, and grasses.

Deer are ruminant mammals that usually inhabit forested areas. Some deer can be found in suburban areas where they eat gardens and fruit trees. Alder and willows are some of their favorites as well.

Hares are medium-sized mammals that live in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are members of the family Leporidae, which also includes rabbits. Hares eat alder.

Moose are the largest member of the deer family and they live in North America and Eurasia. Moose are herbivores and like to eat alder.

Muskrats are rodents that live in North America, Central America, and South America. They are the largest members of the family Cricetidae, which also includes rats, mice, and voles. Muskrats eat alder, cattails, and sedges.

Alder nutrition for animals

Alder is a good source of nutrition for animals. The leaves provide fiber to animals’ diets. Alder catkins contain trace amounts of protein, fat, sugar, and vitamins

Alder tree characteristics

Alder trees can be found in many parts of the world. They grow in areas that have moist soil and plenty of sunlight. The trees can reach a height of up to 50 feet and have a spread of about 25 feet. Alder is a hardy tree and can tolerate cold temperatures and flooding.

How do animals eat alder

Animals that eat alder catkins include birds, such as bluejays, robins, thrushes and waxwings. The catkins are also eaten by squirrels, raccoons, and opposums. Animals that eat alder seeds include birds, such as finches, chickadees, and goldfinches, as well as chipmunks and mice.

Animals that browse alder leaves and twigs include moose, elk, and deer. They will also eat the bark of the alder. Beavers, squirrels, and rabbits will eat the bark of Alder trees.

Birds often come into contact with Alder trees either by eating its fruits or using it as a nesting site.

Summary

Alder is a tasty treat for many animals. They like to eat many parts of the tree including seeds, catkins, and bark. Alder trees provide good nutrition for many animals.