If you’ve noticed a sudden influx of black birds in your yard or neighborhood, you’re not alone. Many parts of the country are seeing more of these birds lately. But what kinds of black birds are they? And why are they flocking to your area? This article will identify some of the most common all-black bird species and explain what might be drawing them to your yard. With a bit of knowledge, you can coexist peacefully with your new black feathered friends.
What Kinds of All-Black Birds Might Be Visiting
Here are some of the black colored bird species you might see:
Bird Name | Description |
---|---|
Common Grackle | Long tails, pale yellow eyes, males have glossy heads |
Red-winged Blackbird | Short tails, males have red and yellow shoulder patches |
European Starling | Pointy yellow bills, speckled breeding plumage |
Brewer’s Blackbird | Yellow eyes, pointed bills, males have glossy heads |
American Crow | All black, large bills |
Raven | Very large, wedge-shaped tails |
As you can see, several common backyard birds like grackles, starlings, blackbirds, crows, and ravens can appear solid black in color. But each species has distinguishing features if you look closely.
Why Are They Visiting Your Yard?
There are a few key reasons you may be seeing more black birds around your home lately:
- Migration – Some blackbird species migrate through areas in large flocks.
- Food sources – Birds are attracted to food, water, and shelter in yards.
- Roosting – Blackbirds gather in large groups to roost overnight.
- Territory – Male birds scout territories in spring.
- Seasonal changes – Some birds shift ranges with the seasons.
Migration is a major factor bringing flocks through areas in spring and fall. Backyard food and water sources also naturally put out the welcome mat for birds. Things like bird feeders, fruiting trees or shrubs, compost piles, and birdbaths are bird magnets.
Large roosts of blackbirds and starlings numbering in the thousands can establish in areas in winter for overnight communal roosting. In spring, male birds like red-winged blackbirds seek out territories and sing to attract females. Some blackbirds also expand their range northwards in summer and return south for winter.
Tips for Coexisting Happily with Blackbirds
If a mass of black birds has suddenly descended on your yard, here are some tips to happily coexist:
Remove Food Temptations
It’s perfectly natural to want to feed wild birds. But offerings like birdseed, suet, fruit, and nuts can overwhelm your yard with visiting blackbirds. Try removing feeders temporarily or switching to black oil sunflower seeds rather than mixed birdseed. Keep fallen fruit picked up under trees.
Install Deterrents
Scare tape, noisemakers, water sprays, and realistic decoys can discourage flocks of birds from settling in. Just be sure not to use anything harmful like sticky gels. Relocating roosts is difficult but possible over time.
Plant Unappealing Trees
Some tree species are less attractive for roosting, like pine, spruce, birch, and beech. If you have appealing roost trees like maples, oaks, red cedars, willows, or vines, planting different types over time can help.
Wait it Out
Often an influx of birds is temporary, like during migrations or as they scout for territories and nest sites. Being patient and waiting it out for a couple weeks can work. The birds often move on as resources change.
Tolerate Their Presence
Sometimes blackbirds stick around, as their benefit of flocking outweighs leaving. If so, enjoy their interesting behaviors and songs, while taking steps not to encourage them to stay forever. Their presence indicates a healthy environment.
Conclusion
An influx of black colored birds can certainly be startling at first. But in most cases, they are just passing through or capitalizing on resources. With some tweaks to make your yard less inviting, plus tolerance for their interesting presence, you can reach an avian détente. The birds are simply behaving as nature intended, so with some patience you can happily coexist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some tips to identify black birds?
Look for key identification features like bill and tail shape, eye color, leg color, wings, size, male plumage color, and behavior. Birds of different species will display unique characteristics. Reference a bird guide book or app if you need help.
How long will the birds stay in my yard?
It depends on why they are there and if they are finding adequate food, water, and shelter. Migrating flocks may only stay a few days. But birds roosting, scouting territories, or nesting may stay for weeks or months until conditions change.
Should I be concerned about disease from blackbirds?
Birds do not typically pose high risks of transmitting diseases to humans. But do avoid touching bird droppings and wash hands if you do. Use gloves, a mask, and disinfectant to clean up any accumulated droppings safely.
Will bird spikes or netting keep blackbirds away?
Physical deterrents like bird spikes and netting can be effective for some bird species. But blackbirds tend to be persistent and often find ways around barriers. Removing food sources and planting unappealing roost trees are longer-term solutions.
Is there a humane way to remove a blackbird roost?
Start by removing any food attractions and altering the habitat to be less welcoming. Use mild hazing like noisemakers to encourage them to relocate. Avoid harmful methods, and understand removing large roosts takes patience over time as alternatives are found.
Key Takeaways
– An influx of black colored birds like grackles, blackbirds, starlings, crows, and ravens is often temporary as birds migrate, scout territories, or expand ranges seasonally.
– Birds flock to yards with food, water, shelters, and appealing roost trees, so removing these attractants can help.
– Deterrents, habitat modifications, and tolerance for a period of time can help you reach a balance of happily coexisting with visiting black colored birds.
– Identifying species by key characteristics, understanding their behavior, and being patient are useful for living alongside your new black feathered friends successfully.
References
- Audubon Society – Common Blackbird Species. https://www.audubon.org/news/birdist-rule-51-its-important-know-your-blackbirds
- The Cornell Lab – Managing Blackbird Damage. https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/managing-blackbird-damage/
- The Spruce – How to Control Blackbirds. https://www.thespruce.com/controlling-blackbirds-2656295
- Sialis – How to Manage Blackbird Roosts. https://www.sialis.org/roost.htm
- USDA – Blackbird Ecology and Management. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/reports/Wildlife%20Species%20Information/Blackbirds/Blackbird%20Ecology%20and%20Management.pdf