10 Birds That Attack Humans

Crows are often considered pests, but they are also highly intelligent. They use tools, work together to defend themselves from predators, and remember specific people and places; they can even imitate human speech. Impressive, right? Definitely–unless you get attacked by one, or worse, a mob of them. Crows may attack if you walk into their territory, if you seem too interested in their nests, or if you have food. They swoop in silently to take you by surprise, then start screeching and cawing as they attack, making the experience both loud and painful. Worst of all, because of their excellent memories, if you have bothered them or offered food in the past, they may come after you again!

#9: Australian Magpies

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Despite its name, the Australian magpie is not closely related to the European and American magpie, though the breed is similarly omnivorous, intelligent, and noisy. Unlike most magpies, however, Australian magpies can be downright dangerous. During breeding season, male magpies will swoop from behind to attack unsuspecting walkers, joggers, and cyclists, often leaving them with bloody scratches and gouges. Tragically, a recent attack proved fatal: a mother holding her five-month-old daughter was attacked by an Australian magpie and fell, critically injuring the baby. Experts say the best way to avoid a magpie attack is to wear a helmet and, though it seems counterintuitive, to turn and face the magpie down, as they prefer to attack from behind.

While there are legends about eagles flying off with human babies, this has not been observed in modern times. However, if you approach the nest of a bald eagle when there are eggs or youngsters in it, you’d better watch out. Bald eagles use their powerful beaks and long, curved talons to grab and rip apart prey; attacks on humans are not often life-threatening, but they are serious, painful, and so fast that people have no time to react. Every year, multiple inhabitants of Alaska seek treatment for head wounds caused by bald eagle talons. Even if you don’t get attacked, US federal law prohibits going nearer than 330 feet to an eagle nest–so best keep away!

Mockingbirds are small–in fact, they are the smallest bird species on our list. So why should people beware them? Well, as you may know, mockingbirds can remember and imitate the sounds of other birds, animals, and even objects, which is how they got their name. What few people know is that their visual memory is just as good. During nesting season, mockingbirds will swoop and screech at anyone approaching their nests–and they’ll recognize the person for days afterward, even if they’re wearing different clothes. Once someone is perceived as a threat, mockingbirds will single them out for attack later on, ignoring other passers-by. Very few animals can distinguish between one human and another by sight; so while mockingbirds may be common, their abilities are not!

There are many types of gulls, and in fact, no particular species is known as the “seagull.” But whatever you want to call them, gulls are notorious fiends. Like eagles, they have extremely sharp beaks and strong talons to catch fish; unlike eagles, gulls will try to eat whatever they can snatch, and aggressively pursue anything that looks edible. They are smart enough to know if a certain place regularly provides food, and may viciously attack adults, children, or pets who are in the way, often leaving deep gashes on the face or hands. Although gulls aren’t known for directly killing humans, people have broken bones trying to escape them, and one man suffered a fatal heart attack while being mobbed.

Owls don’t often attack people, but when they do, it’s not fun. These swift and silent night predators can swoop down, gouge the head of a camper or a hiker with their talons, then fly off before the person has a chance to wonder what just happened. Most often, the attackers are either young owls who haven’t yet learned to hunt well or adult owls who feel threatened. What’s most dangerous about an owl attack isn’t the bleeding, though. Since owls hunt small mammals, their talons often carry harmful bacteria from the digestive tracts of their prey. These can lead to serious, even life-threatening infections. Anyone attacked by an owl or other bird of prey should seek immediate medical attention.

Swans are stately creatures. As they glide slowly across the water, they normally appear calm and serene. However, if you approach their nests, they may reveal a very different character. Unlike birds of prey, swans attack primarily with their wings, rather than beaks or claws–and their wings are very large and strong, raising a terrific wind and bruising whatever part of a person they hit. The worst swan attacks on people have not occurred on land, but in the swan’s native element: water. This was the case in the only confirmed death by swan attack in 2012; a man in a small kayak got attacked by a swan and overturned, then drowned, as the angry swan prevented him from swimming to shore.

#3: Canadian Geese

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It’s hard to believe now, but Canadian geese were once endangered. A ban on hunting or harassing them helped increase their numbers, but unfortunately, it also caused the birds to lose most of their fear of humans. Hence, in a matter of decades, they have become bold and aggressive. Naturally, Canadian geese will go after people who approach their nests, but other times the attacks seem to have no provocation whatsoever. They fly right at your face and will bite you as well as whack you with their wings–and while serious injuries usually come from trying to avoid an attack, rather than the attack itself, that’s small comfort to someone nursing a head wound or broken bones.

Though ostriches are generally mild-mannered, it’s obvious from looking at them that you don’t want to provoke an attack. Standing as high as nine feet and weighing over two hundred pounds, ostriches compensate for lack of flight with amazing speed and strength, and large claws used to grasp prey or dash away from predators. They prefer to run rather than fight, but when cornered, ostriches will defend themselves; any humans in the way will be lucky to escape without being injured–or killed. Because of ostrich farming, people are brought into frequent contact with the huge birds. Every year, it’s not uncommon for at least one person to get killed by ostriches, making them the deadliest (but not most dangerous) species on our list.

At the top of our list, we have what is commonly known as the most dangerous bird in the world: the cassowary. Native to Australia and Papua New Guinea, cassowaries are striking creatures, over six feet tall, with bright blue heads and red wattles. Although they are rare, cassowaries are among the only birds besides ostriches that have directly killed humans; they have tremendously strong legs, with deadly five-inch-long talons. A kick by a cassowary can break bones and cause internal injuries; the talons can rip you apart. This was what happened in 2019 to a man in Florida, who kept cassowaries; his neck was slashed as he lay on the ground. It’s risky sharing your home with the most dangerous bird in the world!