Across the globe, there are instances of birds attacking humans. There are many reasons a bird may attack, often due to the bird’s type and environmental factors.
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Because humans and birds coexist, especially in public places, it’s understandable that there may be some moments of opposition between the two. This article explores the 10 top birds known to attack humans.
Key Takeaways
- Many birds worldwide are known for being dangerous in certain conditions, with the potential to attack humans. While these occurrences happen, they aren’t common and can even be avoided.
- Many birds will attack a person to protect their babies or defend their territory. If you ever find baby birds, it’s important to leave them alone. Otherwise, you may have an unfavorable encounter with their mother.
- The size of a bird doesn’t necessarily dictate how dangerous or how much it can attack you. Not all large birds are known for attacking humans, and some small birds are known for attacking and causing extreme harm to people. It’s best to be cautious whenever dealing with a bird in the wild, no matter its size.
Emu
The native bird of Australia, the emu, is the largest member of the ratite family. Emus are curious by nature, but they are also very protective of their young.
Several bird species have been known to attack humans, and the emu is no exception. These large, flightless birds are native to Australia, and while they are generally peaceful animals, they have been known to attack people on occasion.
There are several reasons why an emu might attack a human. One possibility is that the bird feels threatened in some way.
Emus are naturally curious creatures, and they may become aggressive if they feel like someone is invading their space. Another possibility is that the emu is simply trying to get food from the person.
This is most likely to happen if the bird has been raised in captivity and isn’t getting enough to eat. Whatever the reason for an emu attack, it can be a frightening experience.
Cassowary
Cassowaries are large, flightless birds native to Australia and New Guinea. These birds are closely related to emus and ostriches and can grow six feet tall. Cassowaries are known for their powerful legs and sharp claws, which they use to defend themselves from predators.
While cassowaries usually avoid contact with humans, there have been reports of these birds attacking people. These attacks often occur when the cassowary feels threatened or startled.
For example, a cassowary might attack if someone comes too close to its nest or tries to touch the bird. In some cases, cassowaries have also been known to attack people who try to feed them. If you encounter a cassowary in the wild, it’s important to give the birds plenty of space.
Apparently, this bird is capable of killing people!
Swallows
There are many different swallow birds, but they all have some common features. They are small to medium-sized birds with pointed wings and a forked tail.
Swallows are very agile flyers and spend most of their time in the air. They eat insects, which they catch on their wing.
There are a variety of reasons why a bird might attack a human. In the case of swallow birds, it is typically because the bird feels threatened.
The bird may be protecting its nest or young or simply be startled. Swallow birds are known to be particularly aggressive in defending their territory. If a human gets too close to a swallow bird’s nest, the bird is likely to attack.
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Ostrich
Ostriches are one of the most interesting birds in the world. They are the largest bird and can weigh up to 400 pounds. They are also the fastest two-legged animal on earth and can run up to 40 miles per hour.
Ostriches have long been hunted for their feathers, used to make feather boas and other luxury items. The bird was nearly hunted to extinction in the early 1900s, but conservation efforts have helped populations rebound. Today, there are an estimated 20,000 ostriches in the wild.
Ostriches are generally peaceful animals but can be aggressive if they feel threatened. They have been known to attack humans if they feel scared. Ostriches can also be dangerous if they feel their territory is being invaded. If you approach an ostrich too closely, it may attack you with its powerful legs or sharp beak.
Crows
Crows are one of the most intelligent bird species. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and use of tools. Crows also have an excellent memory, which helps them remember faces and locations.
Crows are found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The American crow is the most common type of crow in North America. North America has two main crow species: the American crow and the fish crow.
Crows are not generally known to attack humans, although there have been a few instances where they have. In most cases, crows will only attack humans if they feel threatened or if they’re hungry and spot you eating something, which can cause them to swoop down to retrieve it.
If you find yourself being attacked by a crow, it is important to remember that they are capable of causing serious injury, so it is best to try and get away as quickly as possible.
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Lammergeier
Lammergeier, also called the bearded vulture, is a large Old World vulture. The bearded vulture is the only member of the genus Gypaetus. It breeds on crags in the mountains in southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia, laying two eggs in a nest of sticks.
Lammergeiers have long, broad wings with finger-like tips on the leading edge; the tail is forked when fully grown. The beard-like ruff at its throat and hindneck varies from pale buff to white and may have black spots. The body feathers are mostly grey-brown above and paler below; the remiges are blackish with pale tips.
The bird typically attacks people who are alone or in small groups. It has also been known to attack livestock. The lammergeier will swoop down and grab the animal with its talons before carrying it to a suitable nesting site.
While the bird is not considered commonly dangerous to humans, it is important to be aware of its potential to cause harm. If you see a lammergeier, it is best to stay away from it and avoid being alone in its vicinity.
For more information on dangerous birds, such as the Lammergeier, check out this video!
Geese
Geese are waterfowl that can be found in both fresh and saltwater habitats. They are known for their long necks and webbed feet, which help them to swim and dive. Geese are also known for their loud honking, which is how they communicate.
These birds are social creatures and often live in flocks. They mate for life and can live for up to 25 years.
Geese are aggressive creatures and have been known to attack people. Geese are very protective of their young and will attack if they feel their babies are in danger. Another reason for goose attacks is that they’re territorial animals and don’t want people in their space.
Magpies
Magpies are one of the most common birds in North America. These black and white birds are known for their intelligence and ability to mimic human speech. Magpies are also known for being very curious birds and often investigate anything that catches their attention.
Magpies are aggressive birds that have been known to attack people. They are most active during the nesting season, typically from April to August.
Magpies will often swoop down and peck at people’s heads or eyes. If you are walking or biking near a magpie nest, wear a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself. If a magpie does happen to attack you, try to scare it off by waving your arms or throwing something at it.
Red-Winged Black Birds
Red-winged blackbirds are a species of true blackbirds found in North America. The adult male has distinctive red epaulets on its wings, while the female is mostly black with some brownish streaks.
Both sexes have yellow eyes and a long, pointed bill. These birds are found in open areas such as marshes, wetlands, and grasslands. They typically build their nests in trees or shrubs near water.
These birds are known for their loud, melodious singing voices. Males will sing from high perches to attract mates and defend their territories.
Red-winged blackbirds are one of the most aggressive bird species in North America. They are known to attack people, pets, and other animals. These birds are also known to steal food from other animals. In some cases, they have even been known to kill smaller birds.
Gulls
Gulls are a type of bird that is often seen near the coast. They have long wings and a hooked beak.
Gulls can be white, gray, or black. They eat fish, insects, and other small animals.
Gulls are interesting birds to watch. They are good at flying and catching food.
Some people think they are pests because they steal food from picnics and garbage cans. But gulls are just doing what they need to do to survive.
Gulls have been known to attack people for various reasons. These reasons include protecting their young, and will fight to protect them. Gull attacks can be quite vicious and often result in serious injury.
While such incidents are relatively rare, they highlight the potential danger gulls can pose to people. It is important to be aware of this danger and take steps to avoid getting too close to these birds.
Sources
- https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Aggressive-Seagulls
- https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/id
- https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/magpies/swooping
- https://www.four-paws.org/campaigns-topics/topics/farm-animals/10-facts-about-geese
- https://www.livescience.com/52716-crows-ravens.html
- https://wildexplained.com/are-ostriches-dangerous/
- https://www.birdbgone.com/blog/why-swallows-are-a-pest-bird/
- https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/zoology/item/worlds-most-dangerous-bird/
- https://pages.vassar.edu/sensoryecology/canada-goose-vocalizations/
- https://centerofthewest.org/2017/02/20/old-new-world-vultures-differ/
