Blackbirds are a common nuisance bird that can damage crops, make a mess around homes with their droppings, wake you up early with their loud calls, and aggressively chase away other more desirable backyard birds. While measures exist to deter and repel blackbirds, care must be taken to avoid impacting beneficial, protected, or endangered birds that may share the same environment. This article will explore various techniques to specifically target blackbirds while sparing other bird species.
Identify the Problematic Blackbird Species
The first step is confirming the culprits are indeed blackbirds. In North America, problematic blackbird species include:
- European starling
- Common grackle
- Red-winged blackbird
- Brown-headed cowbird
- Brewer’s blackbird
Identifying the exact species helps narrow down effective control methods, as different blackbird species exhibit slightly different behaviors and preferences. Pay attention to distinguishing physical characteristics like size, plumage color patterns, beak shape, tail shape, wing markings, and vocalizations. Outside of North America, problematic blackbird species vary by region. Consult a local field guide or bird expert to positively identify your blackbird interlopers if unsure.
Exclude Blackbirds from Feeding Areas
A simple solution is preventing blackbird access to any feeding stations set up to attract desirable backyard birds. Blackbirds tend to aggressively claim feeders and monopolize the space, scaring away smaller species.
Use feeders designed with weight-sensitive perches. The perches temporarily close access to the seed when heavier birds like blackbirds and grackles try to land. Smaller birds can still feed. You can also use feeders with narrow slots and perch openings sized to accommodate smaller birds while excluding larger blackbirds.
Place feeders under overhead covers or enclose them in mesh cages. The cages allow small birds to reach the feeders but keep large blackbirds out. Use metal mesh or netting with openings no larger than 1 inch.
Restrict feeding times to daylight hours. Many blackbirds roost communally at night and set out at dawn to scout potential food sources. Limiting feeder activity to midday hours when blackbirds are less active can reduce feeder domination.
Offer foods like Nyjer thistle, safflower, and sunflower hearts that blackbirds dislike. Black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, and other mixed birdseed attract blackbirds.
Use multiple smaller capacity feeders spread over a wider area rather than a few large hopper feeders in one spot. Blackbirds prefer large feeders where they can easily claim a spot. Multiple dispersed feeders allow other birds space to access at least some feed.
With any feeder methods, also clean up leftover seed underneath that accumulates and could still attract blackbirds.
Tips for Deterring Blackbirds at Feeders
- Use weight sensitive perches
- Install feeder cages or covers
- Restrict feeding to midday hours
- Offer blackbird-unfriendly seeds
- Use multiple smaller feeders
- Promptly clean up fallen seeds
By taking feeders indoors at night and carefully managing feeder design, seed selection, and feeding schedules, you can provide for desirable backyard birds while cutting off blackbird access.
Use Deterrents Around Crops and Gardens
Blackbirds can cause significant damage to ripening crops like corn, rice, sorghum, berries, and fruit. They also dig up newly planted seeds and seedlings in gardens. Here are tips for repelling blackbirds from these areas:
Visual Deterrents
- Scarecrows – Move occasionally to look “active”
- Predator decoys like owls, hawks, or snakes
- Mylar tape, aluminum pie pans, old CDs that reflect light and flap in wind
- Motion activated sprinklers
- EyE-spot balloons with large predatory eyes
The key is making the visual deterrents unpredictable. Blackbirds quickly become used to any stationary scare devices. Frequently moving decoys or reflective devices keeps blackbirds wary. Place deterrents at the site perimeter and interior to cover all approach angles.
Sound Deterrents
- Propane cannons fired at random intervals
- Distress calls and predator calls emitted from electronic devices
- Banging pots and pans
- Cracking whips
- Ultrasonic devices
The sounds startle blackbirds and cause them to avoid the area. Vary the location, patterns, and sounds used so blackbirds don’t become habituated. Ultrasonic devices are of questionable effectiveness, as many birds can’t hear the high frequencies.
Chemical Repellents
- Methyl anthranilate – artificial grape flavoring applied to crops
- Putrescent whole egg solids – derived from rotten eggs and applied in gel or liquid form
These repellents make the plants unpleasant or distasteful to blackbirds. Reapply after rain or irrigation. Avoid using chemicals in garden areas harvested for human consumption.
Discourage Night Roosting
Blackbirds, especially European starlings and common grackles, tend to congregate in large flocks at night to roost communally in trees or on buildings. Their droppings accumulate and damage property. To disperse them:
- Use visual deterrents like light strings, balloons, and lasers at dusk when they start to gather
- Apply repellent gels on building ledges and favored roosting spots
- Use sound devices like propane cannons, ultrasonic transmitters, and fireworks to scare off arriving flocks
- Remove any favored roosting trees or prune back branches
Keep monitoring for any new gathering spots and continue chasing off birds. Over time they can be trained to abandon the roosting area.
Modify Landscapes to be Less Inviting
Certain landscape elements attract and provide food sources for potentially problematic blackbirds. Here are some adjustments to make areas less hospitable:
- Remove any large trees ideal for roosting like pines, exotic trees, and dense palms
- Prune back thick hedges used for nesting and escape cover
- Eliminate pools of standing water for drinking
- Cut back fruit trees and vines
- Clean up fallen fruits, berries, and nuts promptly
- Remove heavily mulched flower beds and scratch areas attractive for foraging
Focus on removing established blackbird nesting sites, food sources, and preferred roosting trees. Also minimize dense cover blackbirds use to evade predators and people. A less welcoming habitat encourages blackbirds to move elsewhere.
Use Trapping and Removal as Last Resort
When other control efforts fail, trapping and removal may be required to eliminate a problematic blackbird flock.
Funnel or decoy traps lure blackbirds in with food and water. Once inside, the birds are unable to find their way out. Trapped blackbirds can then be humanely euthanized.
Live traps like mist nets capture multiple blackbirds for relocation. However, survival rates after relocation are low. Also, consult local wildlife regulations, as many blackbird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Poisoning blackbirds with avicides or shooting is illegal and unethical.
The downside of trapping is it is non-selective and may inadvertently capture non-target species. Carefully position traps in areas frequented only by problem blackbirds. Promptly release any non-target birds. Avoid nesting season when parent birds are caring for young. Responsibly discard of any euthanized blackbirds.
Preventing Blackbird Problems
To avoid issues with blackbirds:
- Clear potential nesting sites before breeding season
- Use bird netting over fruit crops, vines, and gardens
- Seal off potential roosting spots on structures
- Keep feeders and garbage inaccessible to blackbirds
- Clean up any food spills promptly
- Use sprinklers and deterrents early at first signs of interest
Blackbirds are difficult to deter once established. Early preventative actions before birds move in can help avoid infestations. Monitor for newcomers in late winter and take proactive measures.
Protection of Native Birds
When managing blackbirds, it’s vital to avoid harming native bird populations already in decline from habitat loss. Here are tips for safeguarding non-target species:
- Properly identify blackbirds before taking any action
- Avoid nesting season when young may be vulnerable
- Check local regulations on allowable methods for problem bird species
- Use targeted trapping cautiously after excluding other access
- Monitor and release non-target birds from any traps
- Prevent blackbird monopolization of bird feeders and baths
- Retain some untreated garden areas for ground feeding birds
- Leave some roosting trees unmodified for other flocking species like swallows
With some extra care, blackbird control can be integrated into an overall bird management plan for maintaining biodiversity. Seek expert guidance from wildlife agencies if unsure about protecting important native species.
Conclusion
Blackbirds frequently come into conflict with humans when their numbers explode and aggressive behaviors dominate backyard feeders, damage valuable crops, or cause health hazards from droppings. Carefully tailored control methods can selectively target problem blackbird species while minimizing impacts on other important birds.
Integrate multiple bird-proofing strategies like exclusions, landscape modifications to remove food sources, sprinklers and sounds to repel flocks, and traps in worst-case scenarios. Avoid nesting season, follow all laws, and take steps to safeguard non-target species. With persistence and creativity, you can gain the upper hand on nuisance blackbirds for a more peaceful coexistence in a shared habitat.
