Quick Answers
There are a few common reasons why you may find a dead bird in your yard:
– The bird died naturally – Birds can die from illness, injury, starvation, dehydration, or old age. Finding a dead bird may be sad, but it’s often just part of the natural cycle of life and death.
– The bird was killed by a predator – Cats, dogs, hawks, raccoons, and snakes may hunt and kill birds in your yard. This is normal predator behavior.
– The bird hit a window – Birds sometimes fatally collide with windows on houses because they see reflections of trees or sky. Having decals on windows can help prevent this.
– The bird ate something poisonous – Bird seeds, berries, or insects contaminated with pesticides could be fatal to birds. Dispose of dead birds safely by wearing gloves.
Why Birds Die
There are many different reasons why a bird may die and end up in your yard. Here are some of the most common causes of bird deaths:
Natural Causes
– Old Age – Birds, like all animals, eventually die from old age once they reach the end of their natural lifespan. The lifespan of wild birds varies greatly depending on species. Small songbirds may only live 1-2 years, while larger birds like hawks can live up to 25 years. Finding a dead bird of an advanced age is sad but part of the normal life cycle.
– Illness or Disease – Birds can succumb to all types of illnesses and diseases just like humans and other animals can. Avian diseases that may be fatal include avian influenza, Salmonellosis, trichomoniasis, aspergillosis, avian malaria, and more. An ill bird will often appear weak, lethargic, or unable to fly or eat before dying.
– Starvation – Birds need abundant food and water to survive. A dead bird may indicate a local scarcity of food sources like insects, berries, seeds, nectar, fish, etc. Starvation is more likely in harsh winters or droughts when food is limited. Young birds are especially vulnerable if their parents cannot adequately provide for them.
– Severe Weather – Storms, cold temperatures, heat waves, and other weather extremes can be deadly for birds. Extreme cold can freeze birds to death. Heat stress can cause dehydration and hyperthermia. Storms can blow birds off course resulting in injury or exhaustion. Sudden weather changes can kill birds if they cannot find shelter and adequate food fast enough.
– Territory/Mating Disputes – Some bird species fight over territory and mates. Males especially can fight violently using claws, beaks, wings, and talons as weapons. Serious injuries as a result of territorial disputes may eventually prove fatal for one or both birds involved. This tends to happen more with predatory bird species.
Predation
– Pet Cats – Free-roaming outdoor pet cats are efficient bird hunters responsible for killing billions of birds in the U.S. every year, according to some wildlife groups. Cats have strong predatory instincts and can stalk, chase, and attack adult birds as well as defenseless chicks and eggs. Keeping pet cats indoors helps protect local birds in your yard.
– Birds of Prey – Hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, and other raptors are excellent bird hunters with keen vision and flying and ambush hunting skills. A dead bird with talon puncture wounds signals a raptor predator is responsible. This is normal as raptors must eat birds and other animals to survive. Removing carcasses may discourage further hunting.
– Other Wildlife – Snakes, raccoons, foxes, opossums, squirrels, rats, and other wildlife may prey on eggs, chicks, and occasionally adult birds as part of their omnivorous diets. Scavengers like vultures may also be attracted to an already deceased bird. Usually the dead bird shows signs of attack like bite marks or wounds.
– Pets – Some dogs and cats may kill and eat birds despite being fed by their owners. They retain their innate hunting skills and can still catch and kill birds even if not hungry. Always supervise pets outdoors and do not allow them to roam freely.
Collisions
– Windows and Other Structures – Birds often accidentally fly into windows on houses or other structures such as fences or walls. They see a reflection of trees or sky and do not realize it is solid glass. Window collisions account for hundreds of millions of bird deaths each year. You can prevent this by installing decals, screens, or other markings on problem windows.
– Vehicles – Birds crossing roads and highways may collide with fast moving cars and trucks, usually when chasing insects or flying low across the ground. There is little to be done to prevent vehicle strikes beyond driving cautiously in migration seasons when birds are more active.
– Flying into Objects – Uncoordinated or ill birds may fly into various objects, causing injures that later prove fatal. Young fledglings learning to fly are especially prone to crashing into trees, walls, fences, power lines, and other stationary objects. Such collision deaths are unavoidable.
Poisoning
– Pesticides – Insecticides, rodent poisons, and other chemicals are hazardous if birds ingest them directly or consume tainted seeds, berries, or prey. Even low doses can sicken and ultimately kill birds over time. Follow product instructions carefully and avoid overuse when applying any pest control chemicals.
– Contaminated Food or Water – Bird food, nectar, or water can become contaminated with bacteria, fungi, parasites, or toxins that can make birds very ill. Routinely clean feeders and birdbaths to help prevent spread of contagions that impact bird health. Discard moldy food immediately.
– Lead Poisoning – Scavenging birds may develop fatal lead poisoning from eating lead pellets or fishing weights, or picking at paint chips from older homes. Removing lead hazards from your property protects all local wildlife.
– Oil/Chemical Spills – Birds coated in or ingesting any oil, gas, antifreeze, or other chemicals often cannot be saved. Seeking prompt wildlife rescue and rehabilitation aid is their only chance. Prevent such spills from lawnmowers, cars, etc.
What to Do if You Find a Dead Bird
Discovering a dead bird in your yard can be upsetting. Here are some recommendations for what to do next:
Examine the Bird
– Note any blood, wounds, or other signs indicating cause of death such as a window collision, cat attack, etc. See earlier section for clues.
– Check for any bands, tags, or collars on legs or wings that would identify a banded research bird. Report federally tagged birds at ReportBand.gov.
– Handle carefully using disposable gloves to avoid zoonotic disease exposure.
Dispose of the Remains
– Double bag the bird within sealed plastic bags using gloves. Tie securely shut.
– Place bag in your normal curbside trash pickup – do not compost dead birds.
– Alternatively, bury the bagged bird about 2-3 feet deep in an out of the way spot in your yard.
Clean Up the Area
– Pick up any feathers scattered around to avoid attracting scavengers.
– Remove any stains or residue from blood, fluids, or feces.
– Apply disinfectant to kill bacteria, viruses, or parasites left behind.
Discourage Future Visits
If it was a predation kill site:
– Remove bird feeders and baths for 2-3 weeks to discourage prey visits.
– Install deterrents like predator decoys, spikes, or fencing.
If it was a window collision:
– Apply decals and other markers to problem windows.
– Install screens, netting, shutters, or other physical barriers.
– Place bird deterrents like reflective ribbons or predator silhouettes nearby.
Preventing Bird Deaths in Your Yard
While some amount of bird deaths from natural causes are inevitable, there are ways you can make your yard safer and reduce fatalities:
Reduce Collisions
– Mark windows and glass barriers with decals, tape, UV liquid, bug screens, or nets.
– Close curtains and blinds at night when birds are most active.
– Keep outdoor lights turned off at night to avoid disorienting birds.
Manage Your Cat
– Transition cats to indoor-only if possible to protect local birds.
– Put bells on collar and keep supervised if they go outside.
– Install shelving perches so cats view birds from inside.
Alter Landscaping
– Avoid large expanses of glass without breakup decals.
– Place bird houses, feeders, and baths away from windows.
– Add trees, bushes, and shrubs to provide cover and resting spots.
Use Chemicals Properly
– Do not use pesticides, insecticides, or poisons where birds can access them.
– Follow all label instructions carefully when applying any chemicals.
– Avoid overuse and never dispose of toxins down drains or on ground.
Keep Areas Clean
– Remove trash, debris, and food spills that could attract pests.
– Disinfect feeders/baths regularly to prevent disease spreading.
– Prune small branches to discouragepredators from perching.
When to Seek Help for Bird Issues
In some cases, it may be necessary to contact wildlife authorities about a bird death or issue:
– If the death toll seems exceptionally high, there may be a wider problem in the area.
– Band/tag sightings on the bird should be reported for research purposes.
– To identify an unknown deceased bird species.
– To test a bird for contagious disease like avian influenza.
– If the death was caused by a local hazard you cannot resolve, like a neighbors cat.
– If you find a baby bird and cannot locate the nest to return it.
– If you need help removing a large dead bird like a goose, hawk, or owl.
Many state wildlife agencies have hotlines to assist with bird-related problems, or can direct you to local wildlife rehab organizations if needed.
Preserving Bird Populations
Bird populations nationwide face multiple threats including habitat loss, outdoor cats, collisions, climate change, and pesticide use. We should enjoy the presence of birds in yards and assist them by:
– Installing bird feeders, houses, and baths.
– Planting native plants and trees that provide food and shelter.
– Making windows bird safe.
– Keeping cats indoors to reduce predation.
– Using pesticides/chemicals sparingly and correctly.
– Supporting bird conservation policies and programs.
Saving declining bird species and preserving songbirds in neighborhoods ensures future generations can also enjoy their beauty, songs, and benefits like insect control. Small actions by each of us can make a difference for birds!