The coyote is classified as a carnivorous consumer. This means that its diet primarily consists of meat. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and have a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even insects. They are also known to scavenge for food, eating carrion when available.
In ecological terms, coyotes are considered secondary consumers. They occupy a higher trophic level in the food chain, feeding on primary consumers like rodents and rabbits. This places them above herbivores but below apex predators like wolves and mountain lions.
Coyotes play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling the populations of smaller animals and scavenging, which helps in nutrient cycling.