BlogWhy Are Red-Winged Blackbirds So Aggressive?

If you’ve been bopped on the back of the head or dive bombed by a bird while you’re out for a summer stroll, you may feel like you’re in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. However, you’ve probably just walked “too close” to a red-winged blackbird nest. Learn more about them to avoid getting on their bad side.

Red-Winged Blackbirds: Bold & Territorial

The red-winged blackbird is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae, found throughout most of North America in marshes and wet fields. Bold by nature, they won't hesitate to confront humans and larger birds alike. Here's how to identify them:

• The males are stocky, broad-shouldered, and have red-patches on the top of their wings.
• Female red-winged blackbirds are stocky as well but are gray-brown in color with white-gray streaks on their bodies.

Why are Red-Winged Blackbirds Aggressive?

Red-winged blackbirds are at their most aggressive during breeding season, which runs from late spring through mid-summer. Males are notorious for dive-bombing humans, crows, hawks, and other perceived threats, but females can be equally confrontational toward rival females during this period.

As bold as they may seem, red-winged blackbirds are simply protecting their young. If one swoops at your head, there's a good chance you're standing close to a nest.

How to Avoid a Red-Winged Blackbird “Attack”

Unfortunately, if a red-winged blackbird has its sights set on you, there’s not much that will change its mind. However, there are a few things you can do to lessen the likelihood of a red-winged blackbird bop.

• Avoid marshy areas. During breeding season, steer clear of marshes, wet fields, and swampy terrain where red-winged blackbirds are most likely to nest and defend their territory.
• Make eye contact. Red-winged blackbirds commonly attack from the rear. It’s not guaranteed, but if you make eye contact there’s a better chance they’ll back off.
• Wear a hat. If you’re out for a walk or a run and you know you’ll be marching through swampy or marshy territory, wear something to protect your head. The red-winged blackbirds will probably still approach you, but with something blocking them, you may not even notice.

And remember, getting “attacked” by a red-winged blackbird may be a little unsettling, but they are harmless to humans.

Humane & Legal Red-winged Blackbird Removal

If you have aggressive red-winged blackbirds on your property, do not attack or harm them. Red-winged blackbirds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and intentionally harming these birds could result in a $250,000 fine and two years’ imprisonment on a felony conviction.

If you need help removing aggressive birds from your space, get in touch with Varment Guard. We’ll remove problem birds and offer preventative measures to keep them from returning.