Birds bring life to our backyards, but some species have earned a less-than-friendly reputation.
While many adapt well to cities and suburbs, a handful have a knack for disrupting local ecosystems—and even our peace of mind. These aren’t just visitors; they’re unwelcome tenants with a talent for causing trouble.
Here are 14 bird species that have become notorious nuisances in our shared outdoor spaces.
1. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Appearance: Glossy black plumage with iridescent purple and green hues, and a short tail.
Found in: All 48 contiguous U.S. states
European starlings were introduced to North America in the 1890s and have since become one of the continent’s most abundant birds. These aggressive invaders often outcompete native species for nesting sites and food sources, causing significant ecological disruption.
2. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Appearance: Brown and gray plumage, with a black bib on males and a pale eyebrow on both sexes.
Found in: All 50 U.S. states
House sparrows were brought to North America in the mid-1800s. Known for their aggressive behavior, these small birds frequently chase away native species from feeders and nesting boxes, making them unwelcome guests in many backyards.
3. Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Appearance: Gray plumage with iridescent green and purple on the neck, and red feet.
Found in: All 50 U.S. states, particularly in urban areas
Often called “flying rats,” pigeons are easily recognizable and ubiquitous in cities. These birds can carry diseases and parasites, and their droppings can damage buildings and vehicles, making them a significant urban pest.
4. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Appearance: Large, brown body with a black head and neck, and a white chinstrap.
Found in: All 48 contiguous U.S. states
While majestic in flight, Canada geese can wreak havoc on lawns and parks. Their droppings not only create unsightly messes but can also pose health risks. During nesting season, these birds can become aggressive, further complicating their presence in residential areas.
5. American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Appearance: Large, entirely black bird with a thick bill and fan-shaped tail.
Found in: All 48 contiguous U.S. states
Crows are highly intelligent birds, but their loud caws and tendency to gather in large, noisy groups can make them unwelcome in suburban settings. Their scavenging habits can also lead to scattered trash and messy yards.
6. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Appearance: Medium-sized hawk with a dark cap, blue-gray back, and reddish barring on the underparts.
Found in: All 48 contiguous U.S. states
While raptors play crucial roles in ecosystems, Cooper’s hawks can be unwelcome visitors to backyard bird feeders. These skilled predators prey on smaller birds, potentially turning your peaceful bird sanctuary into a hunting ground.
7. Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Appearance: Stocky blackbird with a brown head (male) or entirely brown plumage (female).
Found in: All 48 contiguous U.S. states
Cowbirds are notorious for their breeding strategy of laying eggs in other birds’ nests. This brood parasitism can negatively impact populations of smaller songbirds, making cowbirds unpopular among bird enthusiasts.
8. Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Appearance: Medium-sized dove with pale gray plumage, a black collar on the back of the neck, and a long, square tail.
Found in: Most U.S. states, except parts of the Northeast
The Eurasian collared-dove has rapidly expanded its range across North America since its introduction in the 1980s. While not as aggressive as some other invasive species, its rapid population growth raises concerns about competition with native doves.
9. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Appearance: Small finch with brown streaked plumage, and males have a red head and breast.
Found in: All 48 contiguous U.S. states
House finches were introduced to the eastern United States in 1940 and have since spread across the continent. They are known carriers of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, a disease that can spread to other finch species at feeders (ref).
10. Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
Appearance: Large, iridescent blackbird with a long, keel-shaped tail and pale yellow eyes.
Found in: Eastern and central U.S. states
Common grackles can dominate bird feeders with their large size and aggressive behavior. In large flocks, they can quickly empty feeders, leaving little for other birds and potentially damaging lawns as they forage.
11. Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Appearance: Large, dark brown bird with a bald, red head and a wingspan of up to 6 feet.
Found in: All 48 contiguous U.S. states
Turkey vultures play a vital role in ecosystems by cleaning up carrion, but their large size and unsightly feeding habits make them unwelcome in residential areas. Their roosting can also create unpleasant odors and damage property.
12. Woodpeckers (Family: Picidae)
Appearance: Varies by species, but most have black and white plumage with some red markings.
Found in: All 50 U.S. states
Several woodpecker species can cause significant damage to wooden structures, including homes. Their persistent drumming not only creates holes but can also be a noisy nuisance for homeowners.
13. Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Appearance: Medium-sized gull with pale gray upperparts, white underparts, and a black ring around the bill.
Found in: All 48 contiguous U.S. states, particularly near large bodies of water
In coastal areas and near large lakes, ring-billed gulls can become problematic with their loud calls, aggressive food-snatching behavior, and messy droppings. Large flocks can overwhelm public spaces and create sanitation issues.
14. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Appearance: Medium-sized, white egret with a yellow bill and pale yellow plumes on the head, neck, and back during breeding season.
Found in: Southern U.S. states, particularly in agricultural areas
Cattle egrets successfully colonized much of North America after their arrival in 1941. While not as common in urban areas, these birds can become pests in agricultural settings due to their large flocks and potential to spread diseases among livestock.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.