Birds As Menaces

In general, birds pose little direct danger to humans. A few birds, such as the cassowaries of New Guinea and northeastern Australia, are capable of killing humans with their strong legs and bladelike claws, but actual attacks are extremely rare. Many birds become quite aggressive when defending a nest site; humans are routinely attacked, and occasionally killed, by hawks engaging in such defense. Birds pose a greater threat to human health as carriers of diseases. Diseases carried by birds that can affect humans include influenza and psittacosis.

Negative impacts by birds on humans are primarily economic. Blackbirds, starlings, sparrows, weavers, crows, parrots, and other birds may seriously deplete crops of fruit and grain. Similarly, fish-eating birds, such as cormorants and herons, may adversely impact aquacultural production. However, the economic benefits of wild birds to humans are well documented. Many birds help humans, especially farmers, by eating insects, weeds, slugs, and rodents