Rat attacking a hedge sparrow

[Outandabout]

Hi all
I was "working" in the garden today, tidying up bits and pieces and just enjoying the day. There was a pair of hedge sparrows under the conifers, a couple of bluetits on the feeders which i was watching, suddenly a rat appeared from under the fence and seemed to be watching the sparrows. Suddenly it rushed at one of the sparrows narrowly missing it.
I know rats take eggs and young birds out of the nest but have never heard of them actually attacking larger birds.
It was definitely a rat and it definately ran at the bird. Has anybody else seen or heard anything like this.
Kevin

[Blackbaronfish]

Was it trying to beat it to food

BBF

[FPoole]

I did see a large rat run out from under the hood of my truck last week. He went straight into a pen occupied by a 90 lb. pitbull/ mastiff mix. The rat didn't make it, but the look on the dogs face was priceless. Very perplexed to say the least. I have seen gray squirrels toss baby birds out of nests.

[Outandabout]

I dont think it was trying to beat it to any food. There may have been something on the ground under the feeders but i dont think it was after the food on the ground.
Kevin

[granville]

seen rats run out too the feeders when small birds are feeding they scatter quickly .
but never seen it go for the birds but it could well do if they got the chance.