Hominids (humans and our ancestors) have been consuming eggs as a source of nutrition for millennia. The most widely consumed eggs are those of fowl, especially chickens. People in Southeast Asia began harvesting chicken eggs for food by 1500 BCE. Eggs of other birds, such as ducks and ostriches, are eaten regularly but much less commonly than those of chickens. People may also eat the eggs of reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Fish eggs consumed as food are known as roe or caviar.

Bird eggs are a common food and one of the most versatile ingredients used in cooking. The most commonly used bird eggs are those from the chicken, duck, and goose. Smaller eggs, such as quail eggs, are used occasionally as a gourmet ingredient in Western countries. The largest bird eggs, from ostriches, tend to be used only as special luxury food. Gull eggs are considered a delicacy in England, as well as in some Scandinavian countries, particularly in Norway. In some African countries, guineafowl eggs often are seen in marketplaces, especially in the spring of each year. Pheasant, turkey and emu eggs are edible, but less widely available.

Guineafowl eggs are amongst the most flavourful, due to the broad diet of these birds and contain good levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The more variable diets of free range chickens also frequently mean that their eggs are also more flavourful and contain more omega-3 fatty acids.