When you look at a bird soaring through the air, what do you see? A wholesome little creature that comes with peace or someone that has this unexplainable urge for chaos and menace inside? If you’ve been pooped on by a bird or had it steal your food, you’re probably thinking of the latter option. Our feathered friends, just like humans, can be a bit nitwitted, and the proof is in the Birds Being [Jerks] subreddit.
We at Bored Panda have collected some of the best (worst?) evidence of birds causing menace to society. To find it, all you have to do is scroll down. While you’re busy doing so, don’t forget to upvote those chirpers you would feel intimidated by in the street.
Also, we reached out to birders and hosts of the Hannah and Erik Go Birding Podcast, Hannah and Erik, and Isabelle Manseau, owner of Birdzy, who kindly agreed to tell us more about the mean behaviors of avians.
#1 What A T*rd
Image credits: SandeeDonahue
#2 Hes Figured Out How To Open The Seed Dispenser
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#3 Myna Bird Covers Traffic Camera In Nz
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Birders and hosts of the Hannah and Erik Go Birding Podcast, Hannah and Erik are a husband-and-wife duo who spend their free time exploring, crossing birds off their list, and traveling to new places. The couple started their podcast to hopefully inspire others, share their adventures, and encourage future and present birders.
Hannah and Erik tell Bored Panda that they have noticed quite a few species exhibiting "jerk-like" behaviors in their time birdwatching.
"One species that comes to mind is the Northern Mockingbird, a fairly common bird throughout much of the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. These birds become very territorial during the breeding season and drive off potential threats and competitors. We've even seen two individuals fighting in the road, almost as if to push one another in front of a car!" they share.
#4 Honestly? Good For Him
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#5 "Peace Was Never An Option"
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#6 Uber Sky
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Isabelle Manseau, owner of Birdzy, agrees that birds can exhibit behaviors that humans can interpret as "jerk-like" or chaotic. "One of the most chaotic examples is the behavior of seagulls in coastal areas. They are notorious for their bold food-stealing antics, often snatching food directly from people’s hands or even swooping down to steal snacks from outdoor tables," she told us.
"Another example is the common grackle, which forms large, noisy flocks that can dominate bird feeders, pushing out smaller birds and creating a lot of commotion. Additionally, blue jays are known for their aggressive behavior at feeders, often scaring away other birds and even mimicking hawk calls to clear the area for themselves."
#7 Got A Bird Feeder With A Camera And The Crow Is Not A Fan
Image credits: Accomplished_Sun7173
#8 Angry Robin
A robin just knocked over a metal bird we keep on the table outside, then stared me down asking me what I was going to do about it.
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#9 My Day
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Isabelle's creation, Birdzy, offers handmade bird food that is packed with high-energy food, rich in protein and fat. "I quickly realized that the store-bought seed was like junk food for birds and I wanted to provide a better dining experience," she wrote on her website.
"As I created and refined my blends and created handmade birdseed gifts, I found myself drawn into a vibrant community of bird enthusiasts. We shared tips, stories, and lots of laughter. The positive feedback and happiness from the community and customers only fueled my passion further.
#10 Seller Of Bird Spikes Received The Photo From A Customer
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#11 Impolite Bird Had To Photobomb The Airshow
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#12 I'll Be Taking This
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In general, Hannah and Erik say that corvids, like crows and jays, are more susceptible to acting (in human terms) mean because they have a higher intelligence than a lot of other birds.
"This helps them adapt and thrive in harsh environments. Sometimes this causes them to be a bit mischievous. For example, jays are incredible mimics and will often mimic the call of a raptor, which confuses smaller birds (and sometimes birders). They use this to scare all the little birds away from feeders so they can have it to themselves."
#13 Had To Share That. Exactly For This Sub!
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#14 What The
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#15 Hey Read The Sign!
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"Certain bird species are more likely to display behaviors that humans might perceive as mean," seconds Isabelle.
"European starlings are invasive in many regions and frequently outcompete native birds for nesting sites and food, which can come across as aggressive or unfair. House sparrows are known for their aggressive behavior at bird feeders, often chasing away other birds to monopolize resources. Red-winged blackbirds are fiercely territorial during breeding season and will aggressively dive-bomb anything that comes near their nests, including humans and larger animals."
#16 No Food For You
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#17 Dont Know Original Source Of This Gem
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#18 She's Doing The Middle Finger
Image credits: Large-Alternative148
However, such birds aren't acting like "jerks" on purpose, Hannah and Erik tell us. "The goal for animals is to survive and pass their genes on. So any actions that might be considered mean or "jerk-like" are likely helping that bird to fulfill this purpose. Some birds tend to have more attitude than others, which could help them protect their territory, find mates, or chase off predators."
#19 This Is The Bastard...... So I Was Eating A Sandwich. Suddenly I Was Slapped Hard In The Back Of The Head!! I Take The Sandwich From My Mouth In Total Shock, But Then It Was Ripped Out Of My Hand!!! Yes I Was Wing Slapped I The Head And Robbed By A Seagull !
Image credits: DisadeVille
#20 This Mf Set Up Shop On My Wreath And Now I Can’t Open My Front Door Without Getting Attacked By It
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#21 😂
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"Birds don’t have the same emotional complexity as humans, so they aren’t "mean" in the way we understand it," adds Isabelle. "However, their behaviors are often driven by survival instincts, such as securing food, defending territory, or protecting their young. For example, a bird stealing food from another bird isn’t being "mean" on purpose—it’s simply trying to survive."
#22 My Bird Ate My Fruit
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#23 The Cement Wasn’t Dry Yet..but Who Cares If You’re This Bird
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#24 Hey It Says No Fishing D**k Head
Image credits: Federal-Interest-206
"If you see a bird doing something "mean," watch it for a while and put yourself in its shoes to see if you can figure out its motivations," Hannah and Erik suggest.
Meanwhile, Isabelle says, "Understanding the motivations behind bird behavior can help reframe these actions as natural and necessary for their survival, rather than labeling them as "mean" or "jerks.”"
#25 Woke Up To This Today. F**k You Too!
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#26 Found On Fb, Hilarious!
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#27 Why Is This Blueberry So Vicious?
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#28 Pigeon Isn't Scared
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#29 Look At This Distinguished Gentlemen
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#30 Riding My New Bicycle, Feeling Free As A Bird
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#31 To The Poor Bloke Who Was Chased For Half A Mile By Turkeys This Morning I Sincerely Hope Your Day Improves
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#32 Ever Wondered What A Pelican Trying To Eat A Phone Looks Like
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#33 Captured Moment Seagull Grabs The Flake Out Of My Ice Cream
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#34 Keeps Pecking The Window And Shouting At Me While I'm Trying To Work. D**k
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#35 F150 In The Lake, Obviously The Ducks Did It
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#36 He Keeps Setting Off My Ring
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#37 What A D**k
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#38 "Not Now Gregory I Am Searching"
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#39 Remember Your Ancestors!
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#40 What A D**k
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#41 A Tiny Sparrow Bird Stealing A Fries
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#42 They Want To Try Something New
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#43 Perfect Shot!
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#44 Give Me Your Lunch Kid!
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#45 Deer Was Just Walking By, Minding His Own Business And This D**k Was Like "Absolutely Not"
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#46 Poor Turtles
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#47 My Bird Stole My Chips And Straight Up T-Posed On Me
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#48 "Please Give Me Back My Lunch"
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#49 How Dare I Disturb Its Peace
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#50 What A D**k
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