Why is a bird attacking you?
There are a few possible reasons why a bird may repeatedly attack or dive-bomb you:
- You are near its nest. Birds can become very territorial and aggressive when defending their nest and young. This is especially common during nesting season.
- You are seen as a threat. Some birds may interpret humans as predators or competitors for resources. Things like getting too close to a bird or its food source can trigger an attack.
- It’s a territorial bird by nature. Certain bird species are notoriously territorial and aggressive regardless of nesting behaviors. Examples include mockingbirds, robins, crows, owls, etc.
- It has become habituated. If a bird has been fed by humans before, it may have lost its fear and become aggressive about demanding food.
The most common reason is proximity to an active nest. Female birds incubate eggs and care for hatchlings while males stand guard and ward off any perceived dangers. They often dive-bomb to scare away encroaching predators. This behavior peaks during breeding season which varies by species and region.
How to stop a bird attacking you
If you’re being dive-bombed or chased by a territorial bird, here are some tips to discourage the behavior:
- Cover your head. Hold your hands or a jacket above your head as protection from claws or pecks during fly-bys.
- Don’t act aggressively. Don’t swing your arms, yell, or throw things at the bird as this can be interpreted as threatening.
- Slowly move away. Calmly walk away from the area, giving the bird space.
- Find and avoid nests. Look for nests in trees, ledges, or other covered areas and steer clear.
- Travel with an umbrella. Opening a large umbrella will make you appear larger and more intimidating to birds.
- Remove food sources. Discard outdoor pet food, granola bars, popcorn or other treats the bird may be trying to protect.
- Use decoys. Things like scare-eye balloons, fake owls and rubber snakes may deter territorial birds, but often provide only temporary relief.
- Install deterrents. Try hanging aluminum pie plates, reflective tape, or bird spikes near the nest to encourage birds to nest elsewhere next season.
- Wait it out. The attacks should subside once eggs hatch and fledglings leave the nest, usually within a few weeks.
Remaining calm and avoiding the nesting area are usually the safest and most effective ways to stop the attacks with minimal harm to both humans and birds. But if gentler tactics don’t work, other deterrents like water spray, noise makers or harmless paintball pellets can be used to discourage extremely aggressive birds.
What kind of birds attack humans?
Many bird species may swoop or dive-bomb perceived threats but some of the most common aggressive birds include:
Bird | Reason for Attacking |
---|---|
Crows | Highly territorial of nests and young |
Blue jays | Aggressive defenders of territory and food |
Mockingbirds | Fiercely protective of nests and will attack encroaching humans and animals |
Robins | Very defensive of territory and nests during breeding season |
Cardinals | Males attack intruders near their nesting area |
Red-winged blackbirds | Aggressively defend nesting areas near water |
Geese | Can be very territorial especially during nesting season and around goslings |
Owls | Nocturnal predators that will defend nests and hunting territories |
Hummingbirds | Males defend feeding territories, occasionally aggressively diving at humans |
Seagulls | Known to swoop and steal food from humans near nesting colonies |
The list goes on, but these represent some of the most notoriously pesky birds prone to attacking passersby they perceive as threats during nesting season. It’s worth noting that while shocking, most attacks rarely cause serious injury and are more about intimidation through harassment.
How to protect yourself from bird attacks
Here are some tips to protect yourself from aggressive swooping birds:
- Be aware of nesting areas and avoid them whenever possible.
- Cover your head with a hat, helmet, umbrella or other protective gear if walking near nests.
- Travel with a companion. Birds tend to attack individuals who are alone.
- Hold a stick or pole above your head when walking through active nesting zones.
- Don’t provoke or throw things at aggressive birds as this can worsen their behavior.
- Keep pets indoors or supervise them closely if birds are nesting nearby.
- Report persistent bird aggression or nests in dangerous locales to authorities like animal control.
- Carry a small handheld air horn which can be used to scare away aggressive birds if necessary.
- Protect vehicles by placing secure covers over any open windows or sunroofs in high risk areas.
- Avoid looking up since birds primarily attack heads and faces.
Staying vigilant and being prepared to defend yourself by covering up and keeping calm are the best tactics. Reporting hazardous nest locations also helps wildlife officials manage aggressive birds to enhance public safety during nesting seasons.
How much damage can a bird do when it attacks a person?
Birds can certainly inflict alarming and painful attacks on humans but rarely cause serious or life-threatening injuries. Here’s an overview of the potential damage:
- Scratches – Sharp claws can scratch the scalp or face drawing blood.
- Bruising – Impacts from beaks, talons or wings can leave bruises, especially on the head and neck.
- Cuts – Razor-like beaks may cut skin.
- Eye injuries – Poking from the beak or claws near the eyes can potentially damage the cornea, iris or retina.
- Concussions – Being struck forcefully by large birds like geese can result in concussions or other head trauma.
- Infection – Bird scratches and cuts carry risk of bacterial infection, especially from certain species.
- Blood loss – Lacerations on the scalp may bleed profusely though not usually dangerously.
- Psychological effects – A frightening attack may cause lasting psychological distress or phobias.
Severe injuries beyond scratches, cuts and bruising are unlikely. Only large bird species are capable of causing concussions or eye injuries with their attacks. Still, bacteria from talons can cause infection so wounds should be promptly cleaned and monitored. Overall, the injuries themselves tend to be minor but the shock of being ambushed can make even a mild attack seem traumatic.
What diseases can you get from a bird attack?
Though not common, there are a few diseases that can be transmitted through the bites or scratches of certain bird species:
- Psittacosis – Also known as parrot fever, this bacterial disease causes flu-like symptoms in humans. Wild birds like pigeons, parakeets and other psittacines can transmit the bacteria through feces or respiratory secretions.
- Histoplasmosis – Caused by a fungus often found in bird droppings. When stirred up, spores can be inhaled and lead to flu-like illness.
- Salmonella – Salmonella bacteria are found in the intestines of many wild birds. Can cause food poisoning-like gastrointestinal symptoms if transmitted to humans.
- Campylobacteriosis – Bacteria found in the guts of wild birds can cause diarrhea, cramping, fever and other symptoms.
- Cryptococcosis – A fungal disease associated with bird droppings, especially from pigeons. Causes severe pneumonia-like respiratory illness.
- West Nile Virus – Mosquitos can transmit this virus from infected birds to humans resulting in fever, body aches and rash.
The risk of contracting any of these illnesses from a defensive bite or scratch is very low. Only extensive exposure to bird droppings poses any real disease threat. Still, badly swollen or infected scratches warrant medical attention. Most illness comes from inhaling fecal dust. Reasonable precautions like washing hands and wounds thoroughly should prevent bird attack-related infections.
Can you shoot a bird that is attacking you?
Technically yes, it is legal to shoot an actively aggressive bird that poses an imminent threat, but there are many caveats:
- Species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act cannot be killed without a depredation permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This covers most native North American bird species.
- Local jurisdictions may have laws prohibiting discharging firearms within city or county limits.
- Shooting carries safety risks if near populated areas.
- Pepper spray, paintballs and noisemakers can be equally or more effective deterrents without killing the bird.
- Killing an aggressive bird is often unnecessary and ineffective deterrence since others will still nest in the same area.
- Property owners typically have more flexibility than pedestrians to use lethal force against problem birds.
Lethal force against an attacking bird should be an absolute last resort limited to rural areas and only applied to uncontrolled species like European starlings, house sparrows and rock pigeons. Otherwise, non-lethal harassment, nest removal and exclusion methods are safer and more sustainable solutions for resolving bird aggression issues.
What weapons can you legally use against an attacking bird?
Non-lethal bird deterrent weapons that are generally legal include:
- Squirt guns or spray bottles with water
- Umbrellas
- Plastic whiffle ball bats or other swinging/poking devices
- Noisemakers like air horns, pots and pans
- Pepper spray (away from nest)
- Paintball guns for marking birds
- Slingshots with noisemakers or paintballs only
- Laser pointers
- Remote-triggered deterrents like sprinklers or air cannons
Lethal weapons like conventional firearms, pellet guns and poison are prohibited in most cases without special permits. Always check applicable laws since regulations vary significantly based on location and species protected status. In general, the most effective long term solutions avoid harming birds and focus more on passive exclusion from problem nesting areas.
Should you report a bird that attacks humans?
Reporting aggressive bird incidents and nest locations to authorities can be appropriate if the birds pose an ongoing public safety risk such as:
- Nesting in public areas like parks, schools, busy sidewalks
- Showing unusually aggressive or unrelenting attacks
- Inflicting significant injuries requiring medical treatment
- Exhibiting signs of rabies infection (disoriented behavior, inability to fly)
Government agencies want to be informed about hazardous nesting situations or problem bird behaviors affecting communities. This allows them to take measures to protect both people and birds. Reports help identify species involved, time of year, attack circumstances and nest locations so educated mitigation decisions can be made if necessary.
Who to call to report aggressive birds
- Local police non-emergency line
- Animal control department
- Wildlife rehabilitation center
- State wildlife agency
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- County or city code enforcement
Describe the type of birds, attack behaviors, injuries/damages, nest locations and any other relevant details. Photos or videos can also help experts assess the situation. Except for immediate threats, most agencies recommend waiting 3-4 weeks before removing nests so birds can finish breeding season.
Conclusion
Getting ambushed by an angry bird is terrifying but rarely dangerous. The most hazardous times are nesting seasons when birds perceive humans as nest predators. Harassment and minor injuries are typically the extent of damage from swooping birds. Avoiding nest sites, securing head protection and remaining calm through fly-bys are the best ways to stay safe. Lethal force should only be a last resort against uncontrolled species since removal is not a permanent solution. Whenever birds exhibit unrelenting aggression towards people, authorities should be consulted to address the situation humanely and legally. With some vigilance and understanding of avian behavior, the risks of bird attacks are easily managed.