Pest Birds

Pest birds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However they all have one thing in common: they can be a real nuisance to us humans in one way or another. The following are the most common types of pest birds you’re likely to encounter.

European Starling

The European starling is considered an invasive species in North America. It travels in enormous flocks which can cause damage and leave behind a lot of waste when feeding. Flocks can clean out entire bird feeders, leave fruit trees bare, and consume large amounts of sprouting crops. Starling roosts are also incredibly noisy and can create a ton of messy droppings.

Pest Birds

 

 

Feral Pigeon

The feral pigeon is descended from the rock dove, a bird that nested on cliffs. It’s therefore perfectly suited for living on tall buildings. And the fact that cities offer an abundance of food and have few predators means that the pigeon thrives in urban areas.

It is the most common pest bird species in urban areas around the globe. These pests nest on ledges and their droppings cause an unsightly and potentially dangerous mess. Pigeons are known to carry a variety of diseases that are transmittable to humans.

Pest Birds

 

 

Canada Goose

The Canada goose is a large species of waterfowl. It often lands in grassy spaces, locations near bodies of water, and in backyard ponds and water features. Each of these big birds can create a lot of waste and they can quickly foul up water making a disgusting mess. In addition, the Canada goose can also be aggressive.

Pest Birds

 

 

Mallard

The mallard is easily one of the most recognizable species of waterfowl. This duck is also a pest that is known for making a mess in grassy areas such as lawns, parks, and golf courses. And it fouls up ponds and pools with its waste. To keep mallards and other waterfowl from landing a fake predator such as a floating alligator decoy is often used.

Pest Birds

 

 

Turkey Vulture

The turkey vulture is a vulture species with a bald red head. This scary looking bird typically causes issues when it roosts. It roosts in large numbers and because its diet consists of carrion it has highly corrosive waste. This waste can cause quite a smell and do a lot of damage to surfaces and structures below the roost.

Pest Birds

 

 

Black Vulture

Like the turkey vulture, the black vulture often causes problems when it roosts near homes or on towers of various types. This species not only eats carrion but also newborn livestock such as calves, which can be very costly for farmers. Dead vulture decoys are often used as a humane deterrent to keep black vultures and also turkey vultures away.

Pest Birds

 

 

Seagull

The seagull or gull is a seabird. And there are many species of them. Seagulls are scavengers and can be quite bold when it comes to stealing food. These pest birds are very noisy and also leave a lot of highly acidic droppings. They are a particular nuisance for boat owners since they gather and make a mess on unattended boats, and may also nest on them.

Pest Birds

 

 

Cormorant

The cormorant is a large sea bird that inhabits coastal areas and has a diet that mainly consists of fish. Cormorants sometimes steal fish from fish farms and often feed in conservation areas that are set aside for raising specific species of fish. Their acidic waste can also kill vegetation and be an expensive problem for homeowners living near the water.

Pest Birds

 

 

Woodpecker

Many people don’t actually consider the woodpecker to be a pest bird. That is of course until one starts putting holes in the wood siding, eaves, or window frames. Male woodpeckers may also cause a racquet by tapping on metal items such as downspouts in the attempt to attract a mate.

Pest Birds

 

 

Great Blue Heron

The great blue heron is a tall wading bird. While it may look elegant it is an expert predator that is notorious for eating pond fish. And it can swallow very large fish whole. Because it is a territorial species, a great blue heron decoy can be highly effective for deterring herons from landing and feeding in ponds

Pest Birds

 

 

Barn Swallow

The barn swallows feeds mainly on insects. While this may sound beneficial it also builds its nests on manmade structures such as under eaves, on walls, under bridges, and on barns. The semi-circular mud nest can cause surface damage where it is built. Nests and the waste which accumulates near them can contain parasites, bacteria, and diseases.

Pest Birds

 

 

House Sparrow

House sparrows are a very common pest bird species. These small brown and grey birds often like to build their nests in drainage pipes, rafters, exterior shutters, and corrugated metal siding. This causes clogs and can be unsafe because they create a lot of potentially dangerous waste. In addition, house sparrows tend to be noisy.

Pest Birds

 

 

Crow

Crows are highly intelligent birds, which makes them formidable pests. They empty out birdfeeders, eat crops, and dig up lawns looking for grubs. Crows also roost in large numbers and are noisy at dawn. Because these wary birds avoid areas for long periods of time where they have seen another dead crow, dead crow decoys are often used as deterrents for them.

Pest Birds

 

 

Common Grackle

The common grackle is well-known for causing costly damage to crops. These pest birds feed in huge flocks and devour large amounts of seeds, berries, birdseed, and grains. They also feed on corn sprouts and ripening corn. The droppings left by a flock of grackles can cause damage to various surfaces and require extensive cleanup.

Pest Birds

 

Start Shopping for Bird Repellents!

 

The Complete Swan Decoy Guide

The Complete Swan Decoy Guide

Buy on Amazon Geese and ducks can be a huge problem for anyone who owns a pond, pool, or even lawn. A swan decoy can help to keep these pests away so you don’t have to deal with them and the mess they leave behind. Here is everything you’ll need to know about swan...

Copper Tape For Slugs

Copper Tape For Slugs

Buy on Amazon As any gardener knows, slugs can be highly destructive to a wide range of plants.  But you don’t have to use baits or chemicals to keep these slimy pests from ruining your garden. By using copper tape slugs will stay away from your precious plants...

Coffee Grounds For Slugs

Coffee Grounds For Slugs

Slugs can be a big problem, yet most people don’t realize that the waste produced from their morning cup of coffee can be used help to protect their plants from these slimy pests. When they encounter your coffee grounds slugs will make a hasty retreat. So here’s...

Coffee Grounds For Mosquitoes

Coffee Grounds For Mosquitoes

There are countless options available to keep mosquitoes away, many of which contain harmful chemicals. Most people don’t realize that the grounds used to make their morning coffee can also function as an all-natural repellent. Here’s what you’ll need to know to use...

Using Coffee Grounds To Deter Cats In The Garden

Using Coffee Grounds To Deter Cats In The Garden

While cats can be loving pets, in the garden they often can be pests. Fortunately, you can use coffee grounds to deter cats. Not only can they help to keep cats away from your plants but they’re also totally safe. Cat Problems 101 Unfortunately for gardeners, cats...

What Is A Bat House?

What Is A Bat House?

Buy on Amazon What is a bat house? And better yet, why would you want one on your property? These are both commonly asked questions. Whether you’re just curious or have always wanted to have bats in your yard here’s what you’ll need to know. Bats are nocturnal...

The Most Common Backyard Pests

The Most Common Backyard Pests

Your backyard is an ecosystem, however, not all of the animals which reside in or near it have the manners you’d like them to. There are many different animals that can be a nuisance. Here are some of the most common backyard pests that you’re likely to encounter....

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This