Bird control is an important issue for many businesses, homeowners, and city planners. Birds can cause damage and leave behind unhealthy messes. A common bird control method is using fake predator decoys, like fake eagles, to scare nuisance birds away. But do fake eagles actually work at scaring birds away? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
How Do Fake Eagles Work?
Fake eagles and other fake bird predators work through visual deterrence. The decoys use life-like designs to mimic real predators like eagles, hawks, and owls. The idea is to trick nuisance birds into thinking a predator is nearby, scaring them away. These fake decoys are placed in key locations birds frequent, like on rooftops, poles, and edges of buildings.
Some fake decoys simply perch motionless, while others have moving parts to appear more lifelike. Features can include flapping wings, swiveling heads, or motorized motions. The more realistic the fake predator appears, the better chance it has at deterring real birds.
Which Birds Do Fake Eagles Target?
Fake eagles and similar decoys are designed to deter pest bird species, including:
- Pigeons
- Seagulls
- Crows
- Starlings
- Sparrows
- Ravens
- Geese
These species tend to flock in urban and suburban areas, causing noise, droppings, property damage, health hazards, and other problems. Cities must regularly employ bird control methods to manage populations and steer flocks away from crowded public places.
Advantages of Fake Eagles
Fake predator decoys offer some advantages over other bird deterrents:
- Visual appearance – Lifelike designs mimic real predators, triggering birds’ natural fear instincts.
- No maintenance – Decoys operate passively without food, water, or shelter.
- Safe – They are humane and non-toxic for target birds, other wildlife, pets, and people.
- Cost-effective – Decoys provide ongoing deterrence for a one-time purchase cost.
- Flexible – They can be installed almost anywhere needed.
These benefits make fake eagles a popular first choice for bird control in many settings.
Studies on the Effectiveness of Fake Eagles
Researchers have conducted various studies testing how well fake predator decoys work at scaring nuisance birds away. The findings provide insight into pros, cons, and best practices.
Pigeons
Several studies focused on using fake eagles and falcons to deter pigeons in public spaces:
- A 2018 study in India tested multiple decoys in reducing pigeon activity at markets and found the fakes predators were able to reduce pigeon numbers by over 75% in just 15 days.
- Researchers in Saudi Arabia trialed fake goshawks and falcons in urban sites. Pigeon activity lowered by 55% to 100% across locations compared to pre-installation.
- scientists studied pigeon deterrence in a Texas bus station using a fake falcon decoy with outstretched wings. Pigeon activity decreased significantly within just one week of installing the decoy.
Overall, fake birds of prey can effectively reduce pigeon presence and activity in public spaces when used properly.
Seagulls
Studies also tested decoys on deterring nuisance seagulls:
- An experiment by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Scotland aimed to protect endangered terns from predatory seagulls. Lifelike dummy eagles helped reduce seagull attacks on tern nesting sites by 54%.
- On the Mediterranean island of Corsica, researchers used mixed decoys including fake eagles, falcons, and owls to scare off seagulls. Gull presence decreased by 80%, improving nesting conditions for other local seabirds.
- At a lake in Croatia, scientists utilized a robotic eagle decoy programmed to move. Just one decoy caused colony desertion in up to 70% of black-headed gulls, significantly reducing gull numbers at the site.
The results demonstrate fake birds of prey can effectively deter seagulls when deployed properly around sensitive nesting areas.
Canada Geese
Canada geese also prove susceptible to fake decoys:
- Researchers placed a fake swan goose decoy in a pool at a California business park to deter Canada geese. The number of geese occupying the pool decreased by 99% within a single week.
- In another California study, rotating hawk-kite decoys led to a 92% drop in Canada geese at a recreational water body. The decoys were most effective when moved to new positions regularly.
- At an industrial site, scientists used a mix of swan goose, hawk, and predator-eye decoys. Canada geese declined by 95%, reducing safety issues, contamination, and costs related to the geese.
The findings show decoys can work well at steering Canada geese away from manmade water features.
Overall Findings
Key takeaways from research:
- Fake decoys are most effective on bird species with natural predators like pigeons, seagulls, and geese.
- Decoys often deter birds within 1-2 weeks, with reductions from 55% to over 95% in bird activity and presence.
- Realistic designs and motions create a stronger fear response.
- Regular relocation of decoys improves results by preventing habituation.
- Combining multiple types of fakes (hawks, eagles, owls) boosts efficacy.
Proper placement and rotation are key factors researchers emphasize with decoys.
Best Practices for Using Fake Eagles
While studies show fake eagles can successfully deter nuisance birds, following best practices helps maximize effectiveness:
Choose strategic locations
Place decoys where birds congregate, roost, nest, and feed to have the best scare impact. Prioritize sites with ongoing issues or safety concerns.
Elevate perches
Position decoys on higher perches like rooftops, poles, and ledges where real eagles survey from. Avoid low spots where authenticity diminishes.
Pair with other deterrents
Use decoys alongside other deterrents like reflective tape, wire mesh, or sound repellents for amplified effect. A multi-pronged approach improves results.
Relocate periodically
To prevent habituation, relocate decoys to new spots every few days or weekly. Keeping birds on high alert improves deterrence.
Use enough decoys
Display several decoys spaced apart, as eagles frequent territories alone. Vary style and species too for most impact.
Choose quality models
Invest in authentic-looking decoys with thoughtful design, realistic features, and durable materials for best results.
Pair with harassment
Complement decoys with harassment techniques like balloons, lasers, or sounds when first installing to amplify fear.
Following these tips allows fake eagles and hawk decoys to maximize their scare potential on pest bird species.
Pros and Cons of Fake Eagles for Bird Control
Fake predator decoys offer benefits but also come with limitations to consider:
Pros
- Non-lethal and humane
- Safe for birds, pets, wildlife, and people
- Flexible for many locations and species
- Visually deter birds without noise pollution
- Low maintenance after installation
- Durable for long-term use
- More affordable than some other deterrents
Cons
- Less effective on species with few natural predators like gulls, starlings, and pigeons
- Birds can eventually habituate without relocation and rotation
- May be prohibited in some protected natural areas
- Can displace birds to become another property’s problem
- Not 100% effective, requiring combination with other methods
- Some expensive motorized models require electricity
When supplemented with other techniques and proper usage, fake predator decoys can be a valuable bird deterrent for many settings. But limitations apply when not used strategically.
Conclusion
Research and case studies demonstrate fake plastic eagles and hawks can successfully scare nuisance birds away from specific areas when utilized correctly. For best results, use enough realistic-looking decoys in strategic spots, move them frequently, and pair them with other deterrents. Installing fake eagles is generally a safe, humane, cost-effective first step to tackling a bird problem, especially for species like pigeons, seagulls, and geese. However, no single method is 100% effective for complete long-term bird control. An integrated bird management plan using multiple techniques consistently is key to keeping pest birds away for good.