Understanding Bird Behavior: Defense

Birds are preyed upon by hawks, owls, cats, snakes, humans, and more! They have developed probably as many different ways to respond to danger as there are species of birds; in this essay we’ll discuss some of the more common defensive behavior you’ve probably observed in your own backyard.

Flee or Freeze –
When the birds at my feeders know that a hawk is in the yard they will either fly to the nearest cover or they will freeze on the feeder.

Threat Display –
If a threatened bird can’t, or doesn’t, flee and is confronted by a predator they might perform a display meant to scare off the intruder: some species fluff up their feathers to appear bigger; some open their mouths as if they are about to attack. Chickadees in the nest have been known to scare off a would- be attacker by making loud snake-like hissing noises.

Mobbing –
I’m sure you have heard a group of blue jays or crows carrying on in the woods and wondered what they were up to. They had probably come across an owl or hawk in their territory and the “mob” was harassing the intruder.

Distraction Display –
Ground nesting birds often use this technique for protection from danger. Killdeers, a common ground nesting bird in our area, will feign a wing injury to lure predators away from their young then will quickly “recover” and fly away with the enemy in pursuit.

Birds use many different methods to defend themselves, their territory and their young from predators. Watch the birds in your backyard this winter and maybe you’ll observe some of this fascinating behavior.