Large, aggressive birds, such as the European Starling or Common Grackle, often disrupt backyard bird feeding. These birds, generally termed “blackbirds,” flock together, quickly emptying feeders and discouraging smaller songbirds. Selective bird feeding uses non-harmful strategies to make the food supply less accessible or appealing to these larger birds. By adjusting feeding equipment, modifying the habitat, and using physical deterrents, you can exclude nuisance species while retaining a welcoming environment for smaller birds.
Adjusting Feeders for Selective Dining
The most effective way to manage larger birds is to use feeders that physically exclude them. Weight-activated feeders close the feeding ports when a bird exceeding a set weight lands on the perch. This mechanism allows lighter songbirds, like chickadees and finches, to feed freely, while the weight of a grackle or starling blocks access to the seed. Caged feeders offer a similar physical barrier, featuring a wire mesh cage around a tube feeder with openings typically 1.5 inches square. These openings allow smaller birds to pass through but prevent the entry of larger species.
The type of food offered is equally important in selective feeding. Switching to white safflower seed is effective because many nuisance birds dislike its bitter taste, and the hard shell is difficult for a Starling’s beak to crack. Smaller seeds like Nyjer, or thistle seed, are best served in specialized feeders with tiny ports that only finches can access. Avoid inexpensive seed mixes containing cracked corn, millet, or sunflower chips, as these easily consumed ingredients attract aggressive flocking birds.
For suet feeders, try using an upside-down suet cage. This design forces the bird to cling to the mesh from below, a position easily managed by clinging birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches but difficult for the stockier starling and grackle. Suet cakes infused with capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, offer another solution. Birds lack the specific pain receptors mammals possess, meaning they can consume the hot pepper suet without discomfort, while it deters squirrels and other pests.
Habitat Modifications to Discourage Presence
Making the surrounding yard less appealing for roosting and foraging can reduce the overall blackbird presence. Blackbirds are opportunistic feeders and quickly consume any seed spilled onto the ground beneath feeders. Sweeping up spilled seed and hulls daily eliminates this accessible food source and discourages ground-feeding behavior.
Water sources also play a role, as starlings and grackles are known to bathe frequently in shallow, standing water. Modifying wide, shallow bird baths to have deeper sides or a less accessible design can help deter large flocks from congregating. Flocks often gather to roost in dense, protected vegetation. Pruning dense trees and shrubs to thin out the canopy makes these areas less attractive as overnight gathering spots.
Non-Lethal Methods for Physical Deterrence
Active physical deterrents protect specific areas, such as eaves, patios, or garden spaces, where blackbirds may attempt to nest or perch. Visual deterrents rely on motion and reflection to create a sense of unease, causing birds to avoid the area. Hanging strips of reflective Mylar tape, old CDs, or specialized reflective balloons near problem spots introduces unpredictable flashes of light and movement. To prevent birds from becoming accustomed to these devices, you must reposition them frequently.
For ledges, gutters, or window sills where birds persistently perch, physical barriers can be installed. Specialized, humane bird spikes are blunt and designed to make landing uncomfortable, preventing roosting. Fine, non-entangling bird netting can be stretched over vulnerable areas like fruit trees or vegetable gardens, creating a physical exclusion zone. Auditory deterrents, such as devices that emit predator calls or distress sounds, may offer a temporary solution, but their effectiveness diminishes quickly as birds habituate to the noise.