Top 7 Most Hated Birds Native to North America
- Zach (Head Flocker)
- 8 hours ago
- 11 min read
'Hate' is too strong a word. Probably. But would you have clicked if it said "Top 7 Birds I Do Not Have Strong Feelings for"? No. You would not.
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I conducted no polls. I performed zero research. I am using anecdotal evidence from questions I receive, complaints I have listened to, and comments I see in forums. Disagree with these seven? Share in the comments below!
While we do not have to be fans of all native bird species, I firmly believe the species below do not deserve most of the vitriol they receive. Therefore, in my official role as The Barrister of Birds, I shall mount the most 'eagle-level' defense for each species.
Please note, the below work is pro-bono-parte's gull.
Why are these 7 bird species so disliked?
Each species has a reason for the disdain it receives. But generally, the native birds in this list are disliked because they inconvenience people, compete with us, are subject to extreme myths, or their role in the ecosystem is misunderstood. For each species below, I will spell out some of the misconceptions about them, helping to bring clarity to each species' importance to not only our world but to our daily lives as well.
Gird your loins, as I am about to knock the bias right out of your pants.
Missed the cut: American White Pelican, Osprey, Wild Turkey
American White Pelican
The American White Pelican does not seem like a species that should be on this list. However, across North America, this species is often disliked by fishermen, fishery culturists, fish farms, and private pond owners. You can probably guess why, but for those who did not pick up on the clues, pelicans eat fish. When people, companies, agencies, organizations, or associations invest in stocking native AND non-native fish (see rainbow and brown trout), they generally do not want to share that investment with native wildlife. Sadly, there are many examples of permits issued for pelicans to be 'taken.'
On behalf of the defendant: Research shows that the American White Pelican, throughout its range, mainly consumes 'rough fish,' or fish that are not traditional sport fish. A study from Pathfinder Reservoir in Wyoming showed that approximately 80% of the biomass of fish eaten by the American White Pelican was from carp and white suckers. EIGHTY PERCENT! And often, when a pelican consumes a sport fish, they can only predate upon those sport fish because they are likely weakened or injured from angling. Finally, the pelicans hunting spawning trout took less than 4% of native spawning trout.
Osprey
Osprey face similar issues to the American White Pelican. They are fish hunters that compete with the interests of those in the fish business. While Osprey DO have a higher rate of game fish consumption, they are still a much lower threat to game fish populations than the disdain for them suggests.
On behalf of the defendant: Regarding fish species, Osprey do not have a homogenous diet across their range (they don't eat the same fish everywhere they are found). In four separate studies, trout AND salmon only accounted for 10-24% of an Osprey's diet. In coastal Alaska, a study showed that Osprey diets consist of 95% starry flounder. And yes, this is a high percentage of a game species, but this species is not part of mass production systems. They are experiencing no conservation concerns. The story for the Osprey across its range is similar. It may have a high percentage diet of game fish species, but they are no danger to fish populations or fisheries. Bad or unethical anglers, pesticides, habitat loss, and water quality are a greater danger to game fisheries.
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey are between a rock and a hard place. In places where turkey populations were historically found, they experienced significant declines and even extirpation. However, transplanting turkeys in the 1940s allowed for re-establishing those local populations. These recovery efforts have been a boon and a curse. In some areas, turkeys have become a nuisance to people, causing property and agricultural damage. In addition to hygiene issues from over-concentration, they can also create traffic hazards. While in eastern North America, this would have been commonplace, from the Rockies to the Pacific Coast, Wild Turkeys were introduced and can not only cause even more mayhem, but they can also displace native game bird populations.
On behalf of the defendant: The Wild Turkey is not at fault for its issues. Decline in habitat, introduction to regions with inadequate natural food sources, and feeding stations are all human-induced problems that the turkey has fallen victim to. Human-turkey conflict may continue to rear its head. Still, the alternative of turkeys missing from their native landscapes might be an even more sorrowful thought.
Now, it is time for the actual list! Meet the birds with faces that some people choose not to love.
Number 7: Turkey Vulture
Truly, the Turkey Vulture has done very little wrong in its history with humans. But when you are a bird with a naked head, are associated with death, projectile vomit to defend yourself, and gather in large flocks with rancid leavings (poop), you are bound to draw more detractors than supporters (why isn't it protractors?). The reasons for the dislike of the Turkey Vulture are almost all misinformation or misidentification with the Black Vulture (who does cause some minor problems). This raptor is merely a less physically charming Bald Eagle, and it faces repercussions because of it.
On behalf of the defendant: "If the color of the head does not fit, you must acquit!" The Turkey Vulture catches heat because of the Black Vulture. While both are scavengers, Black Vultures predate upon young, sick, or weak stock animals with much higher frequency. The Turkey Vulture should be championed, as its stomach acid of pH ZERO can annihilate some of the world's most fearsome diseases and maladies: bubonic plague, anthrax, rabies, and more! In all its naked-headed glory, the Turkey Vulture should be celebrated for its benefits to our ecosystems and economy, as they benefit disease-control that would otherwise require greater human intervention and cost.
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Number 6: Northern Flicker
I cannot deny... the Northern Flicker's early morning antics can be a bit much. From drumming on metal vents, flashing, and siding to digging into wooden eaves or trim, this woodpecker is prone to being an unwanted alarm, an unneeded Orkin man, or an uninvited sublessee. However, this loghammer is far more crucial to our environmental well-being than its damage is detrimental to our homes. This species is a major predator of ants and termites, making it a home-saver. Termites are far more damaging to our homes' infrastructure than the surface issues caused by flickers.
On behalf of the defendant: "The beak is mightier than the wood." We all know this to be true. However, the beak is not mightier than ingenuity. And a little ingenuity can stop A LOT of woodpecker activity. Be preventative, and use some tips from a helpful guide to prevent woodpecker damage.
This loghammer is far more crucial to our environmental well-being than its damage is detrimental to our homes. This species is a major predator of ants and termites, making it a home-saver. Termites are far more damaging to our homes' infrastructure than the surface issues caused by flickers. Additionally, the cavities created by woodpeckers are used by many other species beloved by us or essential to our needs. Bluebirds, owls, and ducks are DEPENDENT upon the Northern Flicker's cavities. That makes this bird a desirable backyard friend.
Number 5: Black-billed Magpie
Magpies may have earned their reputation. They are known for using their intelligence to find food, sometimes at the cost of people. In agricultural circles, magpies earned a reputation for picking at open sores on livestock. These traits and damages eventually led to bounties being paid for magpies. Bounties that continued in the West even after the advent of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In fact, in Canada, Black-billed Magpies are not protected and can (and will) be shot on-site by the uninformed or lazy. Historically, magpies could be detrimental to people, especially in ag. In modern times, we have outgrown their impacts.
On behalf of the defendant: "We can disagree with magpies without being disagreeable with magpies." These words should be clung to by all living in magpie territory. These intelligent birds can recognize us by our faces, solve puzzles, and offer tick removal services to ungulates (a benefit to slowing disease spread in big game). Modern husbandry has reduced the impact of magpies on livestock, and simple deterrents can protect crops. And the effect of magpies on game bird populations is negligible. These birds are scapegoated for the true cause of the decline in game birds: anthropogenic factors (humans).
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Number 4: American Herring Gull
This number four spot on the list is not ONLY for the Herring Gull. It's for all gulls found on coasts, lakes, ponds, etc. And you likely know the reason for the gull being on this spot. They congregate in big, noisy groups, leave white streakings everywhere from defecation, and steal your lunch. Is any of that a big deal? No. But the gravitas of their nuisance-ing does not change their position on this list. People like their lunches by the sea and prefer to enjoy them to be quiet and with less gull leavings.
On behalf of the defendant: While gulls may seem to only be loud, smelly thieves of French fries, they serve a much greater purpose. They are the 'garbage men' of the bird world. They will eat and clean up almost anything dead! It's a job nobody else wants, as dead fish and other sea life never offer a delectable aroma. So yes, we must pay the small service charge of random French fries to our gull friends, but this tiny fee helps keep our beaches and marinas clean. In the words of Atticus Finch (who probably wasn't a bird lawyer): "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a gull's stomach."
Number 3: Canada Goose
Hisssss. Honk! Your familiarity with these sounds is paramount to why the Canada Goose is on this list. This overly aggressive fowl can be foul towards humans. This would not be an issue; however, humans have built our homes and businesses well into the domain of the "Cobra Chicken." With the Canada Goose making its new home on golf courses, city parks, local ponds, etc., the human-goose interaction ratio continues to increase. As does the shoe-to-goose poop ratio. Which, for many, is the foundation of their dislike of the Canada Goose.
On behalf of the defendant: "If you're gonna be goose, you gotta be tough." And this tough goose is the best lawnmower in North America. The Canada Goose is a grazer and is highly efficient at keeping grasses and forbs in check. (John Deere should rebrand as John Goose.) Parks and golf courses probably think they can do a better job of groundskeeping than the noble goose, but you cannot beat its efficiency and cost. While not everyone views hunter harvest as a great defense of a species, the Canada Goose is still a significant component of subsistence hunting by some tribal groups and non-tribal hunters. In some large municipalities, where Canada Goose numbers have recovered and become swollen, the local agencies conduct roundups. These birds are harvested and used to supply people and families facing food insecurity. The final argument for the Canada Goose is Exhibit G: a photo of some local goslings.
Number 2: Common Grackle
The Common Grackle has become a common backyard bird throughout North America. As its population has boomed in the last 150 years, humans have begun to experience the problems this can cause. These blackbirds cause agricultural damage, raid beloved bird nests, and even prey on the adults of some smaller species. Frankly, these grackles can be bullies. But when someone witnesses these cranky-sounding birds raid a nest for a helpless, naked nestling, any chance for leniency flies out the window.
On behalf of the defendant: The grackle cannot be held solely responsible for its actions (and population explosion). The clearing of the eastern forests and increased mass agricultural practices allowed Common Grackles to become truly common. For those of us in the West, arborizing the Great Plains and arid regions allowed Common Grackles to spread and grow even more. (The grackle is not the only eastern bird to head west.) Finally, yes, this bird has been seen raiding a nest or two. But I argue that less than 1% of its diet comprises nest-raided food! Instead, after grains and oil seeds, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars are a dietary staple. Instead of hating the Common Grackle, I encourage us to be more proactive. Create better habitats, diversify food sources, and, as Abraham Lincoln once said, "Be sure to put your seed in the right place, then stand firm against the grackle."
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Number 1: Brown Headed Cowbird
Here we are. Number one. Perhaps the most hated bird in North America. A species that drops an egg in the nest of a colorful, song-filled bird, then flies away to parasitize another nest... or 39 more nests. Sometimes, those nests are from endangered, threatened, or species of concern. While this blackbird is not responsible for the decline of species like the Kirtland's Warbler, they have made recovery much more challenging. The challenges to recovery efforts and noticeable effects on local songbird nests are why the Brown-headed Cowbird is the most hated native bird in North America.
On behalf of the defendant: Sigh. Here we are. At the end. This poor bird species. Another victim of the Anthropocene (the human-influenced epoch). Another misunderstood blackbird. Lacking in color or intricate song, the cowbird's appearance offers a poor introduction to birders.
But dear people, hear my plea on behalf of this brilliant bird. The cowbird is not at fault. For the Brown-headed Cowbird should be named the Brown-headed Buffalo-Bird. As this creature was so intimately tied to the now-extirpated American bison for its food, movements, and origins of its nesting parasitism. As the buffalo was driven to the brink of extinction, the cowbird had no choice but to find alternative food options. They were forced to abandon the short grass prairies and spread into human-altered habitats.
This once nomadic species found static bovine herds (cattle farms and ranches), and their nesting habits became problematic. When this species rode the backs of the thundering herds of constantly moving buffalo, they would likely parasitize the same nests far more infrequently. When non-native cattle replaced the native bison, the farmed herds did not move with the same frequency, intensity, and distances. Leading to repeated business for birds like the Yellow Warbler. Thus, a problem was hatched.
I end with this final word from famed barrister Amal Clooney: Be courageous. Challenge nesting orthodoxy. Stand up for letting other birds raise your nestlings. (And remember, cowbird eggs are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and CANNOT be removed from nests.)
Closing Remarks on Hated Birds
I may not have swayed you, dear jurors. But please, at least see the words and the meaning behind them, and keep them close to mind when you next see a bird from this list. Remember, these birds are merely attempting to exist. As we, the defense, shared in many of our arguments, humans might be the root cause of conflicts created by the species on this list. Find compassion for these birds, and share your feeders, fish, French fries, or green spaces. Most of all, learn to love all birds.
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