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Male red-winged blackbird calling

If you’ve been bopped on the back of the head by a bird while you’re out for a walk during the warm summer months, don’t worry, you’re not in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Red-winged blackbirds can be quite aggressive and have no qualms about letting you know when you’re in their territory.

What are red-winged blackbirds?

The red-winged blackbird is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae. They are found in most of North America. They mostly spend their time in marshes and wet fields. They are bold and are not afraid to attack larger birds such as hawks or crows. The males are stocky, broad-shouldered, and have red-patches on the top of their wings. The female red-winged blackbirds are also stocky but are grey-brown in color with white-grey streaks all over their bodies.

Why are red-winged blackbirds so aggressive?

Red-winged blackbirds are most aggressive during breeding season, which happens late spring through mid-summer. The male red-winged blackbirds have the aggressive reputation and are  known to dive bomb humans and other predators such as crows and hawks. However, female red-winged blackbirds are often aggressive to other females during breeding season.

Male red-winged blackbirds might seem evil, but they are just trying to protect their young. If you get bopped on the head by a red-winged blackbird, you are most likely close to their 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.

●      Run for cover. Get away from the area populated with red-winged blackbirds. Get inside, If you can.

●      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.

If you have aggressive red-winged blackbirds in your yard, it’s best to get in touch with a professional wildlife control company. 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 yard, get in touch with Varment Guard today! We’ll remove the birds from your space without harming them.


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