In a shocking incident last October 2023, nearly 1,000 birds tragically perished after colliding with a single building in Chicago during their migration.1
While this mass casualty event highlights the unintended dangers posed to birds, some avian species can be quite dangerous themselves. From powerful raptors to aggressive waterfowl, North America is home to several birds that demand our respect and caution.
1. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl, found in forests across eastern North America, can be surprisingly aggressive. These owls have been known to attack joggers and hikers, particularly during nesting season . Their silent flight and sharp talons make them a formidable threat in low-light conditions.
2. Golden Eagle
With a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet, the golden eagle is a formidable predator. These birds have been known to attack large prey and, in rare instances, may display defensive behavior towards humans if they feel threatened. Golden eagles are capable of diving at speeds over 150 mph, making them one of the fastest birds in the world.
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3. Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on Earth, capable of reaching speeds up to 240 mph during their hunting dives. While they rarely attack humans, their sharp talons and incredible speed make them potentially dangerous. In urban areas, peregrine falcons have been known to dive-bomb pedestrians who venture too close to their nesting sites.
4. Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed hawks are known for their aggressive defense of their nesting territories. During breeding season, they may swoop at humans who venture too close to their nests. In some cases, red-tailed hawks have caused injuries to people, including scratches and cuts to the scalp.
5. Snowy Owl
Despite their beautiful appearance, snowy owls can be quite aggressive, especially when protecting their territory. They have powerful talons and beaks that can cause significant harm. Snowy owls are known for their silent flight, which allows them to approach unsuspecting prey – or humans – without warning.
6. Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird, though small, can be surprisingly aggressive during breeding season. While not typically causing serious injury, their attacks can be startling and potentially dangerous in certain situations.
7. Herring Gull
Herring gulls are notorious for their bold behavior and sharp beaks. In coastal areas, herring gulls have become increasingly aggressive towards humans, sometimes causing injuries with their powerful beaks.
8. Great Northern Loon
Great northern loons have sharp, dagger-like beaks that they use to stab at perceived threats, including humans. Their aggressive behavior is most pronounced during breeding season when they’re protecting their nests.
9. Harris’s Hawk
Harris’s hawks are unique among raptors for their cooperative hunting behavior. While they rarely attack humans, their pack hunting style makes them formidable predators. In the southwestern United States, Harris’s hawks have been known to attack humans who approach their nesting areas.
10. Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys might seem harmless, but they can be surprisingly aggressive, especially during mating season. They’ve been known to chase and attack humans, particularly in urban areas. (ref) Male turkeys, or toms, can become especially territorial and may perceive humans as rivals, leading to aggressive encounters.
11. Canada Goose
Canada geese are notorious for their aggressive behavior, especially when protecting their nests and goslings. Their powerful wings and sharp beaks can cause injury to unsuspecting passersby. In urban parks and golf courses, Canada geese have become increasingly bold, sometimes chasing and attacking humans who get too close.
12. Mute Swan
Mute swans can be highly territorial and have been known to attack humans, sometimes with fatal consequences. Their large size and powerful wings can cause serious injuries if they decide to attack. Mute swans are particularly aggressive during nesting season and have been known to capsize small boats that venture too close to their territory. (ref)
13. Great Horned Owl
Great horned owls are powerful hunters with razor-sharp talons. While attacks on humans are rare, they’ve been known to aggressively defend their nests and young. Great horned owls are capable of exerting 300 pounds per square inch of crushing power with their talons, making them a formidable threat if provoked.
14. Arctic Tern
Arctic terns are known for their long migrations and their fierce defense of their nesting sites. They’ve been observed dive-bombing and pecking at human intruders. Arctic terns are particularly aggressive during breeding season and have been known to draw blood with their sharp beaks when defending their nests.
15. Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed grouse, typically shy birds, can become surprisingly aggressive during mating season. They’ve been known to charge at humans, perceiving them as rivals. While not typically dangerous, ruffed grouse can startle hikers and occasionally cause minor injuries with their sharp beaks and claws.
Source:
1. https://e360.yale.edu/features/bird-window-collisions
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.