The American buffalo, also known as the American bison, is one of the most iconic mammals of the North American plains. Known for their massive size, social herds, and hardy nature, buffalo are herbivores with unique feeding habits that allow them to survive across diverse environments, from grasslands to marshes. Understanding what buffalo eat is essential for wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and researchers, as it provides insights into their behavior, habitat needs, and ecological role.
Buffalo have a highly adaptable diet that changes with the seasons and availability of resources. Their feeding preferences include a variety of grasses, herbs, shrubs, and aquatic vegetation, which provide the necessary nutrients for growth, reproduction, and energy. In times of scarcity, they can even consume bark, mosses, and lichens to survive harsh conditions. By studying their diet, we gain a better understanding of how these magnificent creatures maintain ecological balance and how humans can support conservation efforts.
So, what do buffalo eat? Here is a comprehensive list of 30 foods they love the most:
- Grass (various species: buffalo grass, blue grama, big bluestem, switchgrass, western wheatgrass)
- Weeds (broadleaf plants/forbs)
- Sedges
- Herbs
- Tree leaves
- Shrub leaves
- Roots
- Tubers
- Tree bark (when food is scarce)
- Mosses (dry season)
- Lichens (dry season)
- Aquatic plants/reeds
- Marsh grasses
- Rushes
- Algae (marshland)
- Wildflowers (forbs)
- Clover
- Asters
- Goldenrod
- Prairie Junegrass
- Little bluestem
- Indian grass
- Plains wild rye
- Green needlegrass
- Winter wheat
- Buffalo grass (specific prairie grass)
- Water lilies (wet season food)
- Rushes (wetland)
- Reeds (wetland)
- Aquatic vegetation
This article will explore each of these foods in detail, examining their nutritional benefits, seasonal availability, and how buffalo utilize them to thrive in their natural habitats. Additionally, we will cover how diets differ among buffalo species, seasonal diet changes, feeding behavior, ecological roles, and interesting facts about these remarkable grazers.
What Do Buffalo Eat in the Wild?
1. Grass (Various Species)
Grass forms the foundation of a buffalo’s diet and provides the majority of their energy. Buffalo are natural grazers, feeding on species such as buffalo grass, blue grama, big bluestem, switchgrass, and western wheatgrass. These grasses are rich in fiber, essential carbohydrates, and some proteins, allowing buffalo to maintain their massive bodies. Grazing usually occurs in open plains where buffalo can consume large quantities efficiently, often using their wide mouths to clip grass close to the ground. Seasonal variations affect which grass species are more abundant, influencing the buffalo’s grazing patterns.
2. Weeds (Broadleaf Plants/Forbs)
Buffalo also consume a variety of broadleaf weeds, often referred to as forbs. These plants supplement their diet with essential vitamins and minerals that grasses alone may lack. Forbs like wild dandelion, chicory, and thistle provide trace elements that support healthy digestion and immune function. Buffalo tend to browse these selectively, often choosing younger, tender leaves for optimal nutrition. Consuming weeds also helps maintain a balanced diet and prevents over-reliance on grasses during dry seasons.
3. Sedges
Sedges are grass-like plants found in wet areas, marshes, and along rivers. They are high in fiber and water content, making them an important source of hydration and nutrients during dry periods. Buffalo feed on species such as Carex sedges, often pulling them up with their strong lips and teeth. Sedges complement grasses by providing additional minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are vital for bone strength and overall health.
4. Herbs
Wild herbs are another staple in the buffalo’s diet, offering aromatic and medicinal properties. Plants like mint, sage, and yarrow are rich in essential oils, antioxidants, and vitamins. Buffalo typically forage herbs by licking and nibbling selectively, which may also help with parasite control. These herbs enhance the diversity of their diet, supporting digestion and nutrient absorption while reducing the monotony of a grass-only diet.
5. Tree Leaves
During dry seasons or when grazing options are limited, buffalo will browse on tree leaves. Young leaves from trees like willow, cottonwood, and oak provide protein, fiber, and micronutrients. Buffalo use their prehensile lips to strip leaves efficiently, avoiding thorns or hard foliage. Leaf consumption is especially common for smaller herds or solitary buffalo and can help sustain energy levels during periods when grasses are less available.
6. Shrub Leaves
Buffalo also feed on shrub leaves, which are often more fibrous than tree leaves. Shrubs such as sagebrush, sumac, and chokecherry provide vitamins, minerals, and extra fiber that aid digestion. Buffalo prefer tender shoots and young foliage, which are easier to chew and digest. In addition, browsing shrubs allows buffalo to vary their diet, supporting health and stamina, especially in areas with mixed grassland and shrubland habitats.
7. Roots
Roots are an occasional but highly nutritious component of the buffalo’s diet. They are rich in carbohydrates, minerals, and water, making them valuable during droughts or winter when above-ground vegetation is scarce. Buffalo dig roots using their hooves and strong snouts, often uprooting tubers and bulbs such as prairie turnip. Roots supplement their energy needs and provide hydration, serving as a survival strategy during harsh seasons.
8. Tubers
Tubers are underground storage organs of plants that buffalo consume for energy and nutrients. Species like prairie potato and wild yam store starches and essential nutrients, giving buffalo a concentrated energy source. Buffalo typically forage tubers during dry months or in winter, using their sense of smell to locate them beneath the soil. Eating tubers helps maintain body mass and stamina when other forage is limited.
9. Tree Bark (When Food Is Scarce)
In periods of extreme scarcity, such as during winter or drought, buffalo may strip soft tree bark from young or thin-barked trees. Bark provides fiber and trace nutrients but is not as digestible as other foods. Commonly consumed trees include young willow, cottonwood, and birch. This behavior is usually a last-resort strategy, allowing buffalo to survive when preferred forage like grasses and shrubs are unavailable.
10. Mosses (Dry Season)
Mosses are consumed primarily during dry or winter seasons when other vegetation is limited. While mosses are low in calories, they provide water, some micronutrients, and roughage to aid digestion. Buffalo consume mosses found on rocks, soil, and tree bases, supplementing their diet and ensuring hydration during harsh periods. Though mosses are a minor dietary component, they illustrate the buffalo’s remarkable adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
11. Lichens (Dry Season)
Lichens are symbiotic organisms made of fungi and algae that grow on rocks and tree trunks. During harsh dry seasons, when grasses and shrubs are scarce, buffalo will occasionally consume lichens. While they are low in calories, lichens provide trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Buffalo scrape lichens off surfaces using their strong tongues and prehensile lips, supplementing their diet and aiding in survival during periods of limited forage availability.
12. Aquatic Plants/Reeds
Buffalo living near wetlands, rivers, and marshes frequently consume aquatic plants and reeds. Species like cattails, pondweed, and water sedge are rich in water content and essential nutrients, helping maintain hydration while supplying fiber and carbohydrates. Buffalo wade into shallow water to reach submerged vegetation, using their broad mouths to grasp and pull up stalks. Aquatic plants are particularly important in hot climates, providing both nutrition and hydration simultaneously.
13. Marsh Grasses
Marsh grasses thrive in wetland areas and form a key part of buffalo diets in regions with seasonal flooding. These grasses, including reed canary grass and saltmarsh cordgrass, are high in fiber and contain moderate protein levels. Buffalo graze these grasses during the rainy season when they are abundant and tender. Consuming marsh grasses supports digestive health and provides energy for daily movement and grazing activities.
14. Rushes
Rushes are grass-like plants that grow in wetlands and along riverbanks. Buffalo feed on species like Juncus and Scirpus, which are rich in fiber and moisture. Rushes provide additional trace minerals and aid digestion. Buffalo typically bite off stems and chew them thoroughly, incorporating them into a diet that balances nutrient intake from terrestrial and aquatic sources.
15. Algae (Marshland)
Algae can occasionally supplement the buffalo diet in marshlands and shallow water bodies. While algae are low in calories, they provide proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals. Buffalo consume algae-covered surfaces by grazing along the water’s edge or stirring it into accessible clumps. This opportunistic feeding ensures that buffalo maximize nutrient intake from all available sources in wetland ecosystems.
16. Wildflowers (Forbs)
Wildflowers, or forbs, are herbaceous flowering plants that provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Buffalo consume species like coneflowers, goldenrod, and prairie clover. These plants supplement the grass-heavy diet with micronutrients, support digestive health, and add dietary variety. Buffalo selectively graze wildflowers, often preferring young blooms for their tenderness and higher nutrient content.
17. Clover
Clover is a high-protein legume that buffalo favor for its palatability and nutritional benefits. Buffalo consume red clover, white clover, and alsike clover, which are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Clover supports growth, reproduction, and milk production in buffalo. Grazing clover also helps maintain a balanced diet, particularly in prairie regions where it naturally grows abundantly.
18. Asters
Asters are flowering plants found in meadows and grasslands. Buffalo feed on leaves and soft stems of asters for fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These plants complement the grass diet by adding micronutrients, improving overall health, and supporting reproductive fitness. Buffalo typically graze asters alongside other forbs, creating a diverse diet that sustains them through seasonal changes.
19. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is another common forb consumed by buffalo. While its flowers are low in calories, the leaves and stems are nutritious, providing fiber and essential nutrients. Goldenrod thrives in grasslands and wet meadows, making it accessible during the growing season. Buffalo graze selectively on goldenrod, incorporating it into their diet to maintain digestive health and add variety to their plant-based nutrition.
20. Prairie Junegrass
Prairie Junegrass is a perennial grass native to North American prairies. It is rich in carbohydrates and fiber, supporting energy needs for large buffalo herds. Buffalo graze on this grass during spring and early summer when it is most tender and nutrient-dense. Prairie Junegrass complements other grasses in the diet, providing bulk and consistency for digestion while sustaining overall health.
21. Little Bluestem
Little bluestem is a tall, perennial prairie grass that thrives in well-drained soils. Buffalo favor it for its high fiber content, which supports digestion and gut health. While not extremely rich in protein, little bluestem provides essential carbohydrates for energy and aids in bulk-feeding strategies. Buffalo graze on this grass throughout the growing season, particularly in open prairies where it is abundant. Its deep roots also help retain nutrients, making it more nutritious than other drought-tolerant grasses.
22. Indian Grass
Indian grass is a nutrient-rich tallgrass species commonly found in North American prairies. Buffalo consume its stems and leaves, which are high in carbohydrates, fiber, and trace minerals. Indian grass provides long-lasting energy for daily foraging and migratory movements. Buffalo often graze selectively on the younger, tender shoots for optimal digestibility, integrating this grass into a balanced mix of prairie forage that supports herd health and reproductive success.
23. Plains Wild Rye
Plains wild rye is a cool-season grass providing carbohydrates, fiber, and moderate protein levels. Buffalo graze this grass in early spring and late fall when other grasses may be dormant or less nutritious. Its fibrous structure supports digestion, while the seeds offer additional nutrients when available. Buffalo utilize plains wild rye as part of a rotational grazing pattern across grasslands, ensuring they maximize intake from available forage throughout the seasons.
24. Green Needlegrass
Green needlegrass is a versatile prairie grass consumed by buffalo across various habitats. It is rich in carbohydrates and minerals and offers moderate protein levels, making it ideal for energy maintenance. Buffalo feed on both leaves and stems, sometimes grazing selectively to consume the most tender parts. Green needlegrass complements other grass species, forming a core component of the buffalo diet in mixed-grass and tallgrass prairies.
25. Winter Wheat
Winter wheat is occasionally consumed by buffalo, especially in areas where they overlap with agricultural lands. The young shoots are high in protein and carbohydrates, providing a seasonal boost to their diet. Buffalo graze winter wheat fields opportunistically, which can supplement nutrition during late fall and early spring when natural forage may be limited. While not a primary food source, winter wheat serves as a valuable supplement in regions with agricultural influence.
26. Buffalo Grass (Specific Prairie Grass)
Buffalo grass is a low-growing perennial native to prairies and grasslands. It is highly palatable to buffalo due to its tender leaves and moderate nutritional content. Rich in carbohydrates and minerals, buffalo grass forms a primary grazing resource in mixed-grass prairies. Buffalo consume it year-round, though they focus on new growth in spring and early summer. Its dense growth habit also helps prevent soil erosion, supporting both the ecosystem and buffalo foraging areas.
27. Water Lilies (Wet Season Food)
Water lilies thrive in wetlands and shallow ponds, where buffalo may wade to access leaves and rhizomes. These aquatic plants are high in moisture and provide fiber, carbohydrates, and trace nutrients. Buffalo graze water lilies opportunistically during wet seasons when marshlands are accessible. Consuming water lilies supplements hydration and diversifies the buffalo diet with plant matter not available in dry prairie zones.
28. Rushes (Wetland)
Buffalo feed on wetland rushes, such as Juncus species, in flooded meadows and riverbanks. These grass-like plants offer moderate fiber and moisture content. Buffalo use their broad lips and strong tongues to grasp stems, supplementing terrestrial grasses with aquatic vegetation. Grazing on rushes contributes to overall nutrient balance and supports digestive health, particularly in wetland-rich habitats.
29. Reeds (Wetland)
Reeds, including common reed (Phragmites) and cattails, are tall, fibrous wetland plants that buffalo consume for fiber and trace minerals. Reeds provide structural bulk to their diet, aiding digestion and prolonging satiety. Buffalo graze reeds selectively, usually focusing on the softer shoots and leaves. Reeds also help maintain hydration due to their high water content, which is crucial in semi-arid or seasonally flooded regions.
30. Aquatic Vegetation
Aquatic vegetation encompasses various submerged, floating, and emergent plants found in ponds, marshes, and rivers. Buffalo consume species such as pondweed, water hyacinth, and duckweed, which supply carbohydrates, fiber, and micronutrients. Feeding on aquatic vegetation allows buffalo to access nutrients not available in terrestrial forage, while also maintaining hydration. This opportunistic feeding strategy ensures nutritional diversity and supports overall health across different habitats.
Conclusion
Buffalo are herbivorous giants with a diverse and adaptable diet that allows them to thrive across grasslands, wetlands, and prairie ecosystems. From nutrient-rich grasses like buffalo grass and little bluestem to aquatic vegetation and wetland plants such as water lilies and reeds, buffalo strategically consume a wide variety of foods to meet their energy, fiber, and mineral needs. Their diet also includes roots, tubers, shrubs, seeds, and occasional forbs, demonstrating remarkable flexibility and opportunistic feeding behavior.
Understanding what buffalo eat is crucial for wildlife management, conservation, and habitat restoration efforts. By ensuring that their natural food sources are abundant and accessible, we support healthy buffalo populations while maintaining ecosystem balance. Buffalo play an important ecological role by grazing, which influences plant growth, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling across grasslands.
For conservationists, land managers, and wildlife enthusiasts, knowledge of buffalo dietary habits helps promote coexistence and sustainable practices. Whether in the wild or in managed reserves, providing environments rich in native grasses, wetland plants, and seasonal forage ensures that buffalo remain healthy, resilient, and capable of fulfilling their vital role in nature.
Ultimately, the buffalo’s diverse diet highlights their adaptability and the intricate connections between large herbivores and the ecosystems they inhabit. Protecting these food sources is key to preserving the iconic buffalo and the landscapes they help shape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Diet
1. What do buffalo eat?
Buffalo are herbivores and mainly eat grasses, shrubs, aquatic plants, roots, tubers, and occasionally tree bark. Their diet is highly adaptable depending on season and habitat.
2. How much grass does a buffalo eat daily?
An adult buffalo can consume up to 20-30 kilograms (44-66 pounds) of grass and other plant material per day to meet its energy requirements.
3. Do buffalo eat shrubs and tree leaves?
Yes, buffalo include shrubs and tree leaves in their diet, especially during dry seasons when grasses are scarce.
4. Are buffalo strictly herbivores?
Yes, buffalo are strictly herbivores and do not consume meat. They rely entirely on plant-based foods for nutrition.
5. Do buffalo eat roots and tubers?
Yes, buffalo dig up roots and tubers to supplement their diet, especially in times of low forage availability.
6. Do buffalo eat aquatic plants?
Buffalo living near wetlands or rivers feed on aquatic vegetation such as reeds, water lilies, and algae.
7. How does season affect a buffalo’s diet?
In wet seasons, buffalo prefer lush grasses and aquatic plants, while in dry seasons they rely more on shrubs, roots, and dry grasses.
8. What are the favorite grasses of buffalo?
Buffalo favor native prairie grasses such as buffalo grass, little bluestem, switchgrass, and big bluestem.
9. Do buffalo eat flowers or seeds?
Yes, buffalo consume flowers, seeds, and forbs to add variety and nutrients to their diet.
10. How do buffalo eat tree bark?
Buffalo strip soft bark from trees using their lips and tongue, mainly during dry seasons when other forage is scarce.
11. Can buffalo digest fibrous plants?
Yes, buffalo have a ruminant digestive system that allows them to ferment and extract nutrients from fibrous plants efficiently.
12. Do buffalo eat moss or lichens?
During extreme dry periods or winter, buffalo may consume mosses and lichens to supplement their diet.
13. How do buffalo find their food?
Buffalo use their keen sense of smell and sight to locate grasses, shrubs, and water plants across large areas.
14. Do buffalo eat weeds or invasive plants?
Buffalo may consume broadleaf weeds and invasive plants, which can help manage plant overgrowth in grasslands.
15. How do buffalo eat aquatic vegetation?
Buffalo wade into shallow water and use their lips to pull up reeds, algae, and submerged plants.
16. Do buffalo eat all types of grasses?
Buffalo prefer native grasses that are nutrient-rich, but they will consume less-preferred grasses if necessary.
17. Can buffalo survive on low-quality forage?
Yes, buffalo can survive on low-quality grasses and shrubs due to their efficient ruminant digestion.
18. Do buffalo eat clovers and legumes?
Yes, clovers, legumes, and other nitrogen-rich plants are a valuable part of a buffalo’s diet when available.
19. How do buffalo eat roots?
Buffalo use their strong lips and hooves to dig up roots and tubers for added nutrition.
20. Do buffalo eat crops?
Buffalo occasionally feed on agricultural crops near human settlements, such as wheat or corn, if natural forage is limited.
21. How much water do buffalo need for their diet?
Buffalo need abundant water daily, as many of the plants they eat, especially aquatic vegetation, are water-rich.
22. Do buffalo eat fallen fruit?
Yes, buffalo will eat wild or fallen fruit to supplement their diet, especially in forested or wooded areas.
23. Can buffalo digest tree leaves?
Yes, buffalo ruminate tree leaves along with grasses and shrubs, extracting proteins and fiber efficiently.
24. How does grazing affect grassland ecosystems?
Buffalo grazing maintains grassland health by controlling overgrowth, promoting plant diversity, and cycling nutrients.
25. Do buffalo eat flowers?
Yes, flowers are occasionally eaten for nutrients and variety, particularly during blooming seasons.
26. How do buffalo feed in winter?
In winter, buffalo rely on dry grasses, shrubs, roots, and occasionally mosses or lichens when green forage is scarce.
27. Do buffalo feed in groups?
Yes, buffalo are social grazers, often feeding in herds, which also provides protection from predators.
28. How do buffalo select plants?
Buffalo prefer tender, nutrient-rich parts of plants such as young shoots, leaves, and soft stems.
29. Do buffalo eat salt or minerals?
Yes, buffalo seek natural salt licks or mineral-rich soil to supplement their diet with essential nutrients.
30. Are all buffalo diets the same worldwide?
No, buffalo diets vary depending on region, habitat, and available plant species.
31. Do buffalo eat grasses year-round?
Yes, grasses form the core of a buffalo’s diet throughout the year, supplemented with other plant types seasonally.
32. How does grazing impact other species?
Buffalo grazing creates habitats for other wildlife by promoting plant diversity and maintaining open grasslands.
33. Do buffalo eat seeds?
Yes, seeds from grasses, forbs, and shrubs are occasionally eaten, providing protein and energy.
34. How do buffalo eat aquatic plants?
Buffalo wade into water sources and pull up plants using lips and teeth, consuming them directly or tearing them from roots.
35. Do buffalo eat mosses or algae?
Yes, mosses and algae are consumed when other food sources are limited, especially in wetlands or during dry periods.
36. Are buffalo picky eaters?
Buffalo are selective when preferred grasses and plants are available but can adapt to less-preferred forage during scarcity.
37. How do buffalo impact plant growth?
By grazing selectively, buffalo promote growth of new shoots, maintain plant diversity, and prevent overdominance of certain species.
38. Do buffalo eat tree bark?
Yes, tree bark is consumed occasionally, mostly during dry seasons when leaves and grasses are limited.
39. How does forage quality affect buffalo health?
High-quality forage provides essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, improving growth, reproduction, and overall herd health.
40. Can buffalo survive droughts?
Yes, buffalo can survive droughts by shifting to drought-resistant plants, shrubs, roots, and available aquatic vegetation.
41. Do buffalo eat ferns or mosses?
Yes, ferns and mosses are supplemental food sources when grasses are scarce.
42. How do buffalo find aquatic vegetation?
Buffalo search shallow waters, marshes, and riverbanks, identifying tender shoots and leaves with their sense of smell and sight.
43. Do buffalo prefer wet or dry grasses?
Buffalo prefer fresh, tender grasses during wet seasons but will adapt to dry grasses when necessary.
44. Are buffalo migratory for food?
Yes, some buffalo herds migrate seasonally to access fresh grazing areas or water sources.
45. Do buffalo eat invasive plant species?
Occasionally, buffalo feed on invasive plants, which can help control unwanted vegetation in their habitat.
46. How do buffalo feed on tall grasses?
Buffalo bend or trample tall grasses to reach the tender tips, ensuring nutrient-rich consumption.
47. Do buffalo eat palm leaves or creeping vines?
Yes, in tropical or forested habitats, buffalo may consume palm leaves and tender creeping vine foliage.
48. How do buffalo feed during the dry season?
During dry periods, buffalo rely on shrubs, roots, tubers, mosses, and occasional tree bark to meet nutritional needs.
49. Do buffalo eat cultivated crops?
Buffalo sometimes feed on nearby crops such as wheat or corn, particularly when natural forage is scarce, but this can cause human-wildlife conflict.
50. Why is understanding buffalo diet important?
Knowing what buffalo eat helps in wildlife management, conservation planning, habitat restoration, and maintaining ecological balance.
51. Do buffalo eat water lilies?
Yes, water lilies are a seasonal wetland food that provides nutrition and hydration for buffalo.
52. Do buffalo eat marsh grasses and reeds?
Yes, marsh grasses and reeds form a significant part of their diet in wetland areas.