A bird unexpectedly attacking a person can be a startling experience. While these encounters might feel aggressive, birds act based on instinct rather than malice. Their actions are driven by specific biological needs or perceived threats, leading to behaviors that can be unsettling for humans.
Understanding Why Birds Attack
Birds attack due to strong protective instincts, especially during their breeding season. During this time, birds are fiercely protective of their eggs and newly hatched chicks. They perceive humans who approach too closely as a direct threat to their offspring and will act defensively to drive them away.
Territory defense motivates aggressive bird behavior. Birds establish territories for nesting, foraging, and mating, and they will defend these areas against intruders. This territorial aggression intensifies when a bird feels its space is being encroached upon.
A bird’s attack can stem from mistaken identity or a perceived threat. A bird might mistake a human for a predator, or shiny objects like jewelry might be seen as a threat. Birds may associate a person with a past negative experience, leading to a targeted response.
Aggressive encounters also occur due to the protection of a food source. Birds, particularly opportunistic feeders like gulls, may swoop down or try to take food directly from people. This can feel like an attack, especially with physical contact.
Common Attacking Behaviors and Species
Bird attacks manifest as warning displays, escalating if the threat does not retreat. Common behaviors include swooping, where a bird dives rapidly towards a person’s head, sometimes making contact. Birds may peck, squawk loudly, hiss, or engage in mock charges to deter an intruder. These actions are intended to scare a person away rather than cause serious harm, though minor injuries like scratches can occur.
Several bird species are associated with these defensive behaviors. Australian magpies are well-known for swooping, especially during their breeding season, and they can remember specific human faces. Crows are common culprits, particularly in spring when they are protecting their young. Crow attacks often involve dive-bombing, and they are intelligent enough to remember individuals.
Gulls can become assertive around food sources, sometimes striking or pecking people. Northern mockingbirds are highly territorial during nesting season, defending nests and young with dive-bombing tactics. Raptors, such as hawks, may exhibit aggression near their nests, with some species like goshawks prone to aerial diving. Canada geese, swallows, magpie-larks, and masked lapwings also display defensive behaviors.
How to Respond and Prevent Encounters
When a bird attacks, staying calm is important. Avoid sudden movements or running, as this can provoke the bird further. Instead, walk away slowly from the area, protecting your head and face with your arms, a bag, or a hat. Do not retaliate or attempt to harm the bird, as this can escalate the situation and is generally unlawful. If any skin is broken, clean the wound with soap and water and apply antiseptic.
Preventing bird encounters involves being aware of your surroundings, especially during breeding seasons. Avoid known nesting areas when possible, as birds are most aggressive when protecting their young. If you must enter an area with active nests, consider carrying an open umbrella or a stick held above your head; birds may attack the tallest object, providing a shield.
Refrain from feeding wild birds, particularly gulls, as this habituates them to humans and leads to aggressive food-seeking behaviors. Observing birds from a respectful distance helps maintain their natural wariness. If a bird consistently attacks in a specific location, temporarily avoiding that route until the young have fledged is an effective strategy.