Why Do Birds Attack?

There's Reasons You Might Not Expect...

By Richard Worden

Have you ever wondered why birds tend to come swooping down from branches and flap about over your head? While it is not common, birds have been known to attack anyone or anything. But the question is, why do birds attack so much?

Most of the time, birds attack to ward off potential predators. It can be to keep their eggs safe or prevent other birds from pulling their nests apart. Sometimes their target is a human if they are too close to their tree. It is a preventive measure and defensive mechanism. 

Now, birds attack a lot of creatures, human and avian alike. So let us check out what their unique pursuits are all about. We will cover their reasons for attacking humans, more giant birds, and even the relentless hunters of the skies.

Why Do Birds Attack Humans?

Birds attack humans as a defense mechanism. Maybe you were too close to their nest on a low-hanging branch. Or perhaps you were too close to their babies while photographing the tree. They instinctively swoop down to threaten you from their sanctuary.

Most of these attacks are unprovoked and come in unpredictably, which may be a little difficult to combat. Now it is not always possible for you to look up and survey if birds will attack you! 

Furthermore, birds might also attack you for your hair. 

For example, if you have:

• Curly hair
• Floofy hair
• Disheveled hair

Then don’t be surprised if a small bird flies down and swoops over your hair. The reason? Because it might look like a bright, jumpy, moving nest! Not to forget, some birds have a unique attacking pattern. 

For example, did you know that crows can remember a face for up to five years? These clever avians study your face and movement to recognize you and your deeds and even warn their friends. So if you have angered a crow, attacked it, or made it feel pain, prepare to get swooped and wing-flapped at by the same one for the next five years!

Which Birds Are Known for Attacking Humans?

Territorial birds attack humans to defend their lands against your entry. You might occasionally get bomb-dived by birds if you are too close to their nests or their food source. And if a bird has been attacking you in your neighborhood, chances are that it is trying to defend its home against a more prominent being (i.e., us.)

So here are some birds that might see red upon looking at humans:

1. Swallows

The only reason swallows attack is due to their instinctive thought of you as a predator. You will find a swallow always trying to scare you if you stand close to their nests or eggs. They do not really try to attack you; they just flap their little wings enough to scare you into leaving.

2. Mockingbirds

Mockingbirds are very territorial, making them pretty predatory birds if you cross their lines. And they often might use their claws and beaks to attack your skin, scarring it a little in the process. The solution is to check where you are standing and be as far as possible from their nests and eggs. 

So, if you notice any mockingbirds nearby, try not to get too close to their eggs and nest. Doing so will have them commit to getting rid of you by harming you. 

A few more honorable mentions of birds that attack humans are:

• Owls
• Gulls
• Canadian geese
  
  

Why Do Birds Attack Birds?

Birds attack other birds for territory, food, and mating rights. For them, survivability is crucial, and they are defensive beings. Almost all birds are highly competitive and aggressive during any bird-to-bird brawls. They will do anything to defend and fortify territory, their eggs, and their nests. 

The following points will explain birds' motives in detail, especially when they have finalized on attacking you:

1. Birds Have Territorial Aggression

Most male birds fight aggressively with others to establish their territories from each other. Their nests are near water bodies and potential food sources, and they do not want competitors. So these birds will fight more with other competitors if their nests are in such perfect spots. 

2. Birds Are Competitive

Most often, birds fight other birds over potential mates. Male birds are highly competitive and like to show off their strength and agility in front of their female mates. Such fights are typical during spring, a popular mating season for these avian competitors. 

Fighting other birds also establishes which one is stronger, more durable, and has leadership qualities. Those birds get to bring forth the next generations. 

3. Birds Rob Each Other's Nests

There are various types of nest robber birds, such as:

• Magpies
• Jays
• Crows
• Ravens
• Rooks

They do their best to invade another bird's nest to eat up a hatchling or an egg. And since birds' first instinct is protection, the nest-owner fights off the robbers for its kids' and home's safety.

Why Do Little Birds Attack Big Birds?

Small birds attack big birds to drive them away as potential predators. Bigger birds have the physical advantage of robbing and destroying nests. But a group of smaller birds can gang up and drive away their predators by working together. It is an effective way for smaller birds to stay safe.

Have you ever seen wee tiny tits chasing a big burly crow? As surprising as that looks, it is common in the avian community. Moreover, there is a fun term for it: "mobbing"! It is when smaller birds get together and form a close-knit gang to fight and attack larger predatory birds. Doing so helps keep their nests, food, and water sources safe all year round. 

The most common types of mobbers are:

• Tits
• Blackbirds
• Chickadees
• Crows
• Kingbirds

And their targets are:

• Ravens
• Owls
• Hawks
• Crows

Sometimes, a group of mobber birds might be from different species, with a common goal to ensure their food, children, and water sources are safe from predators. These birds share one call note that helps them recruit more mobbers for an attack. 

Many mobbers also form groups to scare other mobber groups to stay away from their territories. But they always prioritize bigger predator birds for mobbing.

Why Do Birds Attack Hawks?

Birds attack hawks to drive them away from their children and territory. They want to protect their hatchling from larger predators, and hawks tend to swoop down over smaller birds' habitats. So small birds ensure they are safe from hawks and their predatory behaviors. 

Hawks are what you might call grabby birds. If they can have their claws on something, bam! It is theirs! But other birds are not fans of this little coup. So when a small bird's nest is attacked by a larger hawk, they start rushing after the hawk. 

And while doing so, they let out a high-pitched sound to signal other smaller birds about the predators. Thankfully, all other smaller birds join the chase and "mob" the hawk, avenging its ill-doings with their claws and beaks. It also stands as a warning for other hawks not to follow suit!

Why Do Birds Attack...Final Thoughts

All in all, birds attack humans, other birds, and even bigger birds for one reason: protection! Just like any living, breathing creature, they are territorial and want to defend their habitats from anyone interfering. So if you see a bird attacking, it is likely protecting what is rightfully theirs.

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Hi! I'm Richard Worden, the author and founder of We Know Birds.

Over 20 years ago I developed a keen interest in birds and birdwatching, and it has been my passion ever since. I am committed to spreading useful knowledge about birds to others so we might all enjoy them to the fullest.

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