Bird attacks on humans are rare, but they do happen on occasion. Birds are very territorial animals and can be aggressive when defending their nests and young. Small songbirds are unlikely to cause any real harm, but larger birds like hawks, owls, geese, and swans can inflict serious injury with their strong beaks and talons. If you encounter an aggressive bird, it’s important to protect yourself and try to retreat from the situation calmly. Read on to learn more about why birds attack, how to prevent an attack, and what to do if you are attacked by an angry bird.
Why Do Birds Attack Humans?
There are a few key reasons why birds may attack humans:
- Defending their nest – Birds can be very protective of their nests, eggs, and young. During nesting season, birds may attack any perceived threat that gets too close.
- Protecting food – Birds that frequent parks and picnic areas often get aggressive around food. They will defend a food source from humans.
- Mistaken identity – Some birds instinctively attack intruders near their nests. If a person unwittingly gets too close, the bird may mistake them for a predator and attack.
- Provocation – Deliberately antagonizing birds by making loud noises, throwing objects, or approaching fledglings often triggers an aggressive response.
- Territoriality – Some birds, like Mockingbirds, are extremely territorial. They attack any animal or person that enters areas they consider their domain.
Understanding why birds attack can help you avoid provoking them. Most birds only attack to drive away a perceived threat, not out of maliciousness. Give nesting birds adequate space and never antagonize or mistreat wild birds.
Which Birds Are Most Aggressive?
While any bird may attack in the right circumstances, there are some species known for being more aggressive towards humans:
Bird | Description |
---|---|
Geese | Geese can deliver painful bites and strikes with their wings when defending nests or goslings. They are common in parks and golf courses. |
Swans | Like geese, swans become very aggressive around their nests and offspring. They may hiss, chase, or attack passersby. |
Small songbirds | Smaller birds like robins, blue jays, and mockingbirds may repeatedly dive-bomb humans that get close to a nest. |
Owls | Owls feel threatened if humans approach their nests and young. They may silently attack passersby, especially at night. |
Hawks | Large hawks are very defensive of their nests. Red-tailed hawks and red-shouldered hawks frequently attack humans. |
Turkeys | Male turkeys become aggressive in mating season. They may attack humans that get too close. |
Be extra vigilant around these birds during mating and nesting season. Never purposefully approach a nest, eggs, or young birds. Give loud, aggressive birds like geese and swans plenty of space.
How to Prevent Bird Attacks
Here are some tips for avoiding unwanted encounters with aggressive birds:
- Leave nests alone – Avoid areas where you see nests and do not disturb or interact with nests, eggs, or young birds.
- Respect boundaries – Do not approach birds exhibiting territorial behaviors like vocalizing or spreading wings. Retreat if they hiss or chase you.
- Circumnavigate known nests – Walk widely around places where you know birds are nesting to avoid provoking an attack.
- Travel in groups – Large birds like geese are less likely to attack groups than individuals.
- Avoid mating/nesting seasons – Be extra cautious in spring when birds are establishing nesting territories.
- Don’t feed aggressive birds – Feeding makes birds territorial and encourages aggressive behavior.
- Keep dogs leashed – Dogs can trigger aggressive behavior when around nests.
Remaining alert and giving birds adequate space is the best way to prevent an attack. Avoid nests whenever possible, especially in mating season. Retreat at the first sign of aggression and do not interact with eggs, fledglings, or juveniles.
What to Do During a Bird Attack
If a bird attacks you, here are some tips for responding:
- Protect your face – Use your arms to shield your face and eyes from strikes.
- Don’t swat at birds – Aggressive flailing often intensifies attacks.
- Retreat calmly – Withdraw from the area slowly while protecting yourself.
- Seek shelter – Get inside a building, car, or under a structure to separate yourself.
- Remove hats/sunglasses – Objects on your head draw more aggressive attacks.
- Fight back gently – Use an open hand or loose jacket to gently swat away without injuring birds.
- Drop food – If carrying food, drop it and move away so birds redirect attacks to food.
The safest option is to leave the area. Never turn your back or run, which can prolong pursuit. Very aggressive birds may need to be gently swatted away if they do not relent. Seek medical care if needed for any injuries.
When to Seek Medical Care
Though most bird attacks do not result in serious injury, you should seek medical attention if:
- The skin is broken, resulting in a bite or scratch
- You are struck in the eye
- You have moderate bleeding that won’t stop
- There is significant swelling or bruising
- You think bones may be fractured
Bird bites and scratches can easily become infected and eye injuries require rapid treatment. Seek care promptly if you cannot stop bleeding, are in significant pain, or cannot fully use an injured body part. Call 911 if injuries are severe.
Legal Options After an Attack
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to take legal action following a bird attack:
- Report aggressive birds harassing the public to animal control or wildlife authorities. They may intervene.
- If attacked by a pet or domestic bird, report it to animal control and seek veterinary records.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer if injuries are significant and may warrant damages.
- For severe facial/eye injuries, explore options like worker’s compensation if attacked on the job.
- If necessary, seek a restraining order against owners of known aggressive pet birds.
In some cases, aggressive pet birds may need to be relocated by owners. Wildlife authorities can also intervene with problem wild birds in public areas. For serious injuries, pursuing legal damages against negligent owners may be warranted.
Conclusion
Bird attacks are startling and potentially dangerous events. Most occur when birds feel threatened and are trying to protect eggs, young, food sources, or territory. Avoid nesting areas in mating season, do not antagonize birds, and retreat at signs of aggression to prevent attacks. If attacked, protect yourself and leave the area safely. Seek medical attention for any significant injuries. In rare cases when attacks result in injury or become frequent, legal recourse may be needed to address problem birds and negligent owners. Stay alert around wild birds and give them the space they need to reduce the chances of experiencing a dangerous encounter with one of our feathered friends.