Pest Bird Species

Native to sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq, the sacred ibis has established large invasive populations across Western Europe, particularly France, Italy and Spain, following escapes from zoos and wildlife parks. Populations in Taiwan have also become established. A colonial nesting waterbird that forms dense breeding colonies.

One of the most intelligent and adaptable birds in North America. American Crows thrive in urban, suburban, and agricultural environments, forming large communal roosts in winter that can number in the hundreds of thousands. Their problem-solving ability and social learning make them highly resistant to conventional deterrents.

A significant agricultural and ecological pest across North America. As brood parasites, they lay their eggs in the nests of over 220 other bird species, forcing host parents to raise cowbird chicks at the expense of their own.

While native to North America, large populations have established permanent non-migratory pest status across the United Kingdom, Europe, and New Zealand.

Native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia, the common blackbird has become a severe agricultural pest in Australia and New Zealand following introduction in the 19th century. Highly adaptable, it thrives in urban gardens, orchards and forest margins.

Native to Asia, listed among the world's 100 worst invasive species. Extremely aggressive and territorial — evicts native wildlife from nesting hollows and adapts readily to metropolitan spaces.

Originally native to Europe and southern Asia, the Eurasian collared-dove has undergone one of the most rapid range expansions of any bird species in recorded history. Introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s, it colonised the entire continental USA and Canada within 30 years and is now established across Mexico and the Caribbean.

Ranked among the world's worst invasive species, starlings gather in overwhelming migratory flocks known as murmurations. Decimate global agricultural industries by consuming and spoiling fruit, grain, and livestock feed.

Also known as the rock dove, pigeons are the undisputed number one urban pest bird across every continent except Antarctica. They congregate in massive numbers on ledges, bridges, and roofs.

Originally native to Europe and Asia, the house sparrow has successfully colonised nearly every urban centre worldwide. Frequently breaches food processing factories, warehouses, and outdoor restaurants.

Native to South America, feral colonies are now established across North America, Europe, and Asia. Unlike other parrots, they build massive communal stick nests directly onto utility poles and electrical substations.

Native to South and Southeast Asia, the red-whiskered bulbul has established invasive populations in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne), the USA (Florida and California), Mauritius and other Pacific islands. A highly mobile frugivore that travels in flocks between fruiting trees.

A highly gregarious corvid of European farmland, forming vast colonial rookeries in tall trees near agricultural land. Rooks are among the most economically damaging birds to arable farming in Europe, with flocks capable of stripping newly sown fields overnight. Their intelligence and social cohesion make population management challenging without automated systems.

Originally from Africa and South Asia, feral populations are now established throughout Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Travel in noisy, aggressive flocks that outcompete native cavity-nesting birds.

Australia's most abundant and widespread gull, found at every coastal city, harbour, landfill and beach. Populations have exploded since the mid-20th century due to open landfills and food waste from tourism. A significant aviation hazard at coastal airports and a persistent nuisance at outdoor dining, fish markets and waste facilities.

Native to Australia, New Guinea and the Aru Islands, the sulphur-crested cockatoo has established invasive populations in New Zealand and causes significant damage within its native range in urban and agricultural zones. Highly intelligent, long-lived and destructive, they travel in large, noisy flocks.