9 Birds You’d Rather Not Spot Around Your Garden
The practice of garden birdwatching has grown into a large industry, worth £4 billion a year. With more than 1,000 bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, managing the birds that visit outdoor spaces is not always straightforward. Not every bird is simply a pleasant morning song; some carry diseases, behave aggressively towards other birds or harm local ecosystems. Knowing how to live alongside our feathered neighbours is increasingly important.
Birds you might want to manage in your garden
A number of species are not ideal guests in a garden because of their aggressive behaviour or possible health hazards. Each one behaves differently and needs a tailored approach.
- Blue jays are loud and territorial; they sometimes attack smaller birds such as chickadees and titmice and have been known to steal eggs. To discourage blue jays, try switching feeder seeds to nyjer thistle (a fine seed favoured by finches), using owl decoys and adding reflective surfaces.
- Brown-headed cowbirds are brood parasites: they lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, putting the host species at risk. To reduce their impact, use tube feeders and avoid offering sunflower seeds or millet. Keep an eye on unusual nests and report them to NestWatch through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (a citizen-science programme that tracks nesting birds).
- Canada geese might look attractive in flight, but they can cause real headaches on the ground. Each bird can produce up to 4 lbs of droppings a day, contributing to environmental pollution. They are also sometimes aggressive and can overgraze lawns and other vegetation. Solar-powered flashing lights from Away With Geese are one deterrent.
- Common grackles, though visually distinctive, often gather in large flocks and can damage produce and displace native songbirds. Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman of Birds & Blooms suggest using cage-style feeders to keep grackles out while still allowing smaller birds like bluebirds to feed.
Predators and invasive birds to watch out for
- Cooper’s hawks are stealthy hunters that feed mainly on smaller birds. Their presence can turn a peaceful feeding station into a scene of predation. Taking down feeders for a while can encourage them to hunt elsewhere.
- European starlings are invasive, with a population of more than 220 million in the United States alone. Their numbers create ecological and economic problems, including damage to urban structures and competition with native species. Simple measures, such as using nest boxes with smaller entrance holes and routine maintenance and deterrents, help limit their presence.
- Gulls, found both inland and on the coast, are opportunistic and long-lived. They can cause noise, fouling and health problems. Better rubbish management and structural deterrents like anti-bird spikes can reduce gull-related issues.
Small pests and ‘urban doves’
- House sparrows are infamous for swarming feeders, taking over nest sites and even getting into buildings, which can sometimes create fire hazards. Regular maintenance, for example screening vents and checking roofs, can reduce their impact.
- Pigeons, often called “rats with wings”, can carry diseases such as Salmonellosis and Cryptococcosis. Their droppings are both unhygienic and hazardous, so physical deterrents like spikes and encouraging natural predators are practical responses.
Knowing how these birds behave and using targeted deterrents can help people live more peacefully with their feathered visitors. Consult further resources, try recommended deterrents and take part in schemes such as NestWatch to help protect native species and manage outdoor spaces more effectively.