Brewer’s blackbirds are a common nuisance bird found throughout much of North America. While they are known for their beautiful dark plumage and pleasant songs, they can become a real problem due to their large flocks, loud calls, and messy droppings. If brewer’s blackbirds have become an issue around your home or property, there are some effective and humane ways to discourage them from staying.
Identifying Brewer’s Blackbirds
Brewer’s blackbirds (Euphagus cyanocephalus) are medium-sized songbirds reaching lengths up to 10 inches. Adult males are entirely black with a glossy purplish head and greenish-yellow eye. Females are dark brown overall with lighter brown underparts. Juveniles resemble adult females but are more grayish-brown. One of the key identifying features of brewer’s blackbirds are their yellow eyes.
These birds can be found across western and central North America. They prefer open habitats like grasslands, agricultural fields, parks, and backyards. Brewer’s blackbirds are very social and gather in large flocks, especially in the non-breeding season. They have loud, raspy calls that can be grating when large groups congregate.
Why are Brewer’s Blackbirds a Problem?
Here are some of the main issues caused by brewer’s blackbirds:
- Large flocks cause excessive noise
- Droppings can damage vehicles, outdoor furniture, etc.
- They consume crops and raid bird feeders
- Aggressive behaviors around nests
- Potential to spread diseases at bird feeders
Brewer’s blackbirds nest in shrubs, trees, and manmade structures. They build sturdy, cup-shaped nests out of twigs, grass, and mud. Each pair will aggressively defend the area around their nest, swooping at intruders. This can make certain areas unpleasant for homeowners during the breeding season.
Humane Ways to Deter Brewer’s Blackbirds
Here are some effective techniques to humanely discourage brewer’s blackbirds without harming them:
Remove Food Sources
Like any animal, brewer’s blackbirds congregate where food is abundant. Reduce their incentive to flock to your property by removing potential food sources:
- Take down outdoor bird feeders
- Clean up fallen seeds under feeders
- Cover fruit trees with netting
- Harvest vegetables and ripening fruit promptly
- Secure trash cans and compost piles
Use Predator Decoys
Blackbirds are wary of natural predators like hawks and owls. Placing decoys of predatory birds in your yard can help convince flocks to move on. Effective options include:
- Plastic owl decoys
- Hawk-shaped kites or balloons
- Silhouettes of perched raptors
Move decoys frequently so birds don’t become accustomed to them. Combining decoys with recorded distress calls can enhance the effect.
Reflective Deterrents
Blackbirds avoid reflective surfaces which make them uneasy. Use wind chimes, metallic tape, mirrors and other shiny objects to make your property less attractive, such as:
- Old CDs or pie pans hanging on string
- Foil strips attached to trees/buildings
- Metallic streamers or flashing lights
- Mylar tape around fruit trees/gardens
The movement and flashing of the reflective surfaces will startle and unsettle the birds.
Audio Deterrents
Loud noises are effective for scattering bird flocks. Try using:
- Motion-activated sprinklers/alarms
- Banging pots and pans
- Ultrasonic devices
- Predator distress calls
Use noise-makers intermittently and combine with visual deterrents. Don’t use loud noises too frequently or birds will become accustomed.
Block Access to Roosting/Nesting Sites
Brewer’s blackbirds like to nest and gather on building ledges, trees and shrubs. Block access to these areas by:
- Trimming back branches on nesting trees/shrubs
- Installing bird netting over roosting sites
- Fitting roof edges with wire/spike strips
- Plugging cavities and crevices on buildings
This will remove valuable roosting and nesting real estate.
Repellents
There are a couple repellent options that may deter brewer’s blackbirds:
Chemical Repellents
Non-toxic chemical repellents like methyl anthranilate create a temporary irritating smell/taste to repel birds. Use on lawns, gardens, patios, vehicles, etc. Reapply after rain. Effectiveness varies by product and bird density.
Botanical Repellents
Some plants contain natural compounds that repel certain birds. Interplanting with repellent plants may make yards less attractive. Effective plants include:
- Garlic
- Chives
- Onions
- Marigolds
Research your specific region for other bird-repelling plants. Homemade hot pepper spray can also be used.
Exclusion
Physically excluding birds from certain areas is the most effective solution, but also most intensive:
- Netting: Protect gardens, fruit trees, etc. with bird netting. Ensure proper installation without gaps.
- Wire Grids: Place parallel wires or fine mesh over building ledges and rafters to prevent roosting.
- Porch Enclosures: Enclose outdoor sitting areas with screening to keep birds out.
Exclusion requires some investment but provides lasting results if properly maintained.
Population Control
In extreme cases, populations may need direct management. Work with local wildlife authorities to utilize methods like:
- Removal/relocation of problematic nests
- Egg addling to reduce reproductive rates
- Aversive conditioning techniques
Avoid unethical culling. Focus control efforts on specific problem sites rather than overall population reduction.
Conclusion
Brewer’s blackbirds can be frustrating when large noisy flocks take over your property. Thankfully, there are many humane harassment and exclusion techniques to deter them without harming birds or breaking the law. The key is being vigilant and varying your approach. Exclusion solutions provide the most permanent relief for ongoing issues. With some persistence during peak seasons, you can successfully reclaim your yard and garden from pesky blackbird flocks.