Which birds produce eggs that people eat in large quantities?

The primary bird species that produce eggs for human consumption in large quantities are chickens, which represent the bulk of global egg production. Other domestic fowl, including ducks and geese, are also raised for their eggs, particularly in parts of Europe and Asia.123

While eggs from turkeys, guinea fowl, pigeons, pheasants, and quail are also consumed, their commercial production is often more limited or specialized compared to chickens. Additionally, in certain northern regions, eggs from wild charadriiform birds—such as murres, puffins, and gulls—have historically been harvested for food, though such practices are often subject to careful regulation to protect the sustainability of the colonies.145

It is essential to recognize that the exploitation of wild bird populations must be conducted ethically and sustainably to prevent the ecological damage or extinction of species, as seen in the historical case of the great auk.5