What Is the Hyena's Diet?

Spotted hyenas aren't picky eaters in any sense of the word. These omnivores are notorious scavengers that frequently feast on the carrion of previously killed animals, but that isn't the full extent on their diet. Spotted hyenas are adept hunters in their own right, preying on reptiles, birds and even wee bugs. They prefer going after mammals that exceed 40 pounds in weight, according to the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Some of the larger animals that spotted hyenas prey on include wildebeests, zebras and antelope. They generally hunt in units of between two and five individuals, although sometimes more -- especially when it comes to big prey.

Striped hyenas, like spotted hyenas, are frequent scavengers, with particular penchants for impalas, gazelles, wildebeests and zebras. They too have the ability to hunt, and often go after goats, sheep, horses and donkeys. Other common components of the striped hyena diet are bugs, fruit, birds, reptiles, mice and hares.

Brown hyenas, like both other hyena species, are regular carrion eaters. Unlike their fellow hyena relatives, however, brown hyenas don't usually kill their prey by themselves, although there are some exceptions -- think tiny mammals and birds, for example. Flesh isn't the only thing that brown hyenas consume, either. These guys are also big fans of melon, which also assists them in maintaining hydration levels. Bird and insect eggs are also elements of their diet.

Aardwolves (Proteles cristata) aren't called hyenas, but are indeed members of the hyena family. In terms of sustenance, aardwolves are like night and day when compared with hyenas. Termites essentially make up the entirety of their food intake, rather than mammalian flesh. Aardwolves look for sustenance independently, rather than in groups.