Being dive bombed by an aggressive bird can be a scary and dangerous experience. Birds may exhibit this behavior to defend their nests or perceived territory, especially during breeding season. While startling, there are several things you can do to avoid injury and calmly remove yourself from the situation.
Why do birds dive bomb?
Birds most commonly exhibit dive bombing behavior to protect their eggs and chicks in nesting areas. Many species become extra defensive of their territory during breeding season, which usually aligns with spring and summer months. Dive bombing serves to scare potential predators away from the nest site. Some common birds known for dive bombing include:
- Crows
- Magpies
- Mockingbirds
- Blue Jays
- Robins
- Cardinals
- Geese
- Hummingbirds
While very rare, a few factors could explain seemingly random or unprovoked bird attacks:
- The bird mistakes you as a threat to its territory or food source.
- Your clothing or a hat could resemble a predator like a hawk.
- The bird has become habituated to being fed by people and is expecting food.
How to react when a bird dive bombs
When a bird starts diving towards you, it’s understandably scary. But there are some tips to avoid panic and safely remove yourself from the situation:
- Remain calm – Do not scream, flail your arms, or make sudden movements, as this can prolong the encounter by further agitating the bird. A relaxed posture can signal to the bird that you are not a threat.
- Protect your head and neck – If wearing a hat or helmet, keep it on to shield your head and face. You can also use items like a backpack, book, or hands clasped overhead.
- Move away slowly – Casually walk, don’t run, away from the area while avoiding trees and bushes where the bird could hide and nest. Resist temptation to swing or swat at the bird as it dives.
- Give the bird space – Keep a wide berth around any trees, nests, or food sources. The further you can get from the protected area, the better.
- Notify property owners – If dive bombing occurs in a public park or private property, inform staff or owners so they can cordon off the nesting area and warn other visitors.
What to do if a bird makes contact
Despite best efforts, an aggressive bird may make contact while dive bombing. Follow these tips if you are struck:
- Check for injuries – Look for cuts, scratches, or bleeding, especially on the head, neck, and eyes. Seek medical care if the injuries are severe.
- Document the incident – Note details like date, time, bird description, injuries, and circumstances leading up to the attack. This creates a record if you need to report the incident.
- Clean wounds – Carefully clean any breaks in skin with mild soap and water to avoid infection. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage if needed.
- Watch for signs of concussion – Seek emergency care if you experience nausea, difficulty balancing, confusion, loss of consciousness, or other signs of a concussion after a head strike.
- Capture the bird if possible – Call animal control or wildlife authorities to humanely trap the aggressive bird so it can be relocated away from public areas.
How to avoid future dive bombing
Use caution and consider alternative routes when passing through areas where you’ve previously been dive bombed. There are also some precautionary measures you can take to try preventing attacks:
- Wear a hat or helmet – The bill of a cap or hard shell of a bike helmet can obstruct the bird’s access to your head and face.
- Open an umbrella – Opening a wide umbrella overhead creates a barrier between you and an incoming bird.
- Travel in groups – Birds are less likely to single out and attack groups of 2 or more people walking together.
- Remove shiny jewelry – Reflective metal like watches or earrings can mimic predator eyes and provoke the bird.
- Cover bright clothing – Solid, muted outfits help you blend into the surroundings rather than stand out.
- Keep pets leashed – Dogs can agitate territorial birds, so keep them restrained and avoid nesting zones.
- Make noise – Loud talking, clapping, or banging two sticks together can scare away incoming birds.
- Avoid nesting seasons – Be extra cautious outdoors during typical spring and summer breeding months when birds are most defensive.
When to seek help for aggressive bird attacks
Though rare, some birds can become truly aggressive and dangerous, repeatedly attacking unsuspecting passersby. Get assistance dealing with problematic birds in these scenarios:
- The attacks cause injuries requiring medical treatment.
- The bird appears sick, injured, or unusually aggressive.
- The attacks have lasted more than a few days.
- The behavior seems to become more frequent or intense over time.
- Multiple people or pets have been victimized by the same bird.
- The hazardous bird inhabits a public location like a park, school, or busy roadway.
A professional animal control service can humanely trap dangerous birds and relocate them away from populated public spaces. In rare cases, problem birds may legally be euthanized if they pose an ongoing threat to human safety.
When bird attacks warrant legal action
Being dive bombed by a bird, while frightening, is usually not grounds for legal action against property owners where the encounter occurred. However, there are some circumstances where you may explore your legal options:
- The attack happens on private property, and the owners were aware of a dangerous bird but neglected to warn or protect visitors.
- The bird displays unusually aggressive tendencies suggesting an illness like avian influenza or neurological issue.
- The owners actively encourage the bird’s aggressive behavior through feeding or conditioning.
- Your injuries from the encounter resulted in hefty medical bills.
- The attack was completely unprovoked on property you were legally present on.
Consult a personal injury attorney to discuss the details of your incident and whether you may have grounds for legal action. Keep any evidence you have like photos, medical records, and witness accounts.
Preventing bird strikes while driving
Aggressive birds can also be hazardous while driving. Striking a bird with your vehicle can result in dents or damage and endanger your safety. Follow these tips to help avoid collisions:
- Slow down and stay alert near woods or wetlands where birds may dart out.
- Scan ahead to spot birds perched on roadside trees, posts, and power lines.
- Cover shiny exterior trim that could attract diving birds.
- Use caution when passing parked vehicles birds could be under or flying out from behind.
- Brake as safely as possible if a bird darts across your path – do not swerve into other lanes.
- Roll up windows and use sun visors to block attacking birds near the vehicle.
- Cover car mirrors not currently in use to avoid tricks of reflection.
- Report hazardous areas to authorities so they can consider deterrents or warning signs.
While frightening, most bird dive bombing incidents are harmless defensive actions from protective parents. Staying calm, protecting yourself, and slowly moving away can resolve most encounters. But contact authorities if a location or bird becomes truly dangerous. Being knowledgeable and taking precautions will help you steer clear of overly aggressive feathered defenders.
Sample data table
Bird Species | Aggressiveness Level | Peak Dive Bombing Season |
---|---|---|
Crows | High | Spring |
Blue Jays | Moderate | Summer |
Hummingbirds | Low | Mid Summer |
Key Takeaways
- Stay calm and protect your head if dive bombed.
- Slowly move away from nesting areas to avoid further attack.
- Seek medical care for any significant injuries from bird strikes.
- Call animal control about truly aggressive or harmful birds.
- Wear a hat, open an umbrella, or take other precautions when passing nest zones.
Dealing with aggressive, dive bombing birds can be unnerving, but is rarely dangerous with proper reaction. Being aware of nesting seasons, protective behaviors, and smart defenses will help you steer clear of overly protective feathered parents. With caution and common sense, bird attacks can be avoided or managed safely in most outdoor spaces and situations.