Are Birds Scared Of Humans? (What Do They Really Think Of Us)

Most birds are prey, which usually makes them fearful or at least wary of humans.Innate instincts tell birds to be wary of anything unknown, especially things like Homo sapiens.

So let’s get started, are birds really afraid of humans?

If you’ve spent a lot of time observing wild birds, you’ve probably noticed that certain individuals or species have varying degrees of fear of humans. For example, a bird visiting your feeder may be more comfortable in your presence than a bird you meet on a hike. Urban and suburban birds also tend to be less afraid of humans.

How birds behave toward people depends largely on the level and experience of their contact with us. A bird that hasn’t seen many people in its environment, or that hasn’t had a positive experience, will be more terrifying than a bird that has learned to navigate a human world.

Species can also play a role in where birds land within the fear range. We will discuss this and more in the next paragraphs.

Birds in urban and populated areas tend to be tamer and will sometimes feed from your hand

Why are birds afraid of people?

Birds are often afraid of humans because their instincts tell them they are potential predators. We often make sounds and movements that are unfamiliar to many wild birds. They can also sense our curiosity towards them, which can be seen as a threat if we get too close.

Studies have observed that birds can recognize human eye contact. When we look directly at a bird from close range, they are usually more intimidating to them than when we stand at the same distance and look in another direction.

For prey species, direct eye contact is usually only provided by the predator – usually when moving towards the prey. So when we observe a bird while also trying to look closely, we are mimicking the behavior of a predator.

However, not all birds show the same level of fear when humans approach them. Commonly urbanized species such as pigeons or sparrows have adapted to human presence and activity.

These birds generally do not respond with fear to human gaze unless the person is particularly loud or threatening.

Sparrows and pigeons have adapted to humans

What do birds think of humans?

Many wild birds see humans as a threat because they haven’t had enough contact with us to become familiar with our behaviour. However, some wild birds have a natural curiosity about humans.

You may have noticed that corvids (crows, crows, jays) seem to be naturally curious. They are often seen watching humans, watching for signs of a threat, and approaching if no threat is detected.

Crows are very intelligent birds, so this behavior may be due in part to their natural curiosity. They may also see humans as a food source. For this reason, many wild species grow comfortably around humans.

Crows are naturally curious and often observe human behavior

Are all birds afraid of people?

All birds are not afraid of humans. As mentioned earlier, birds in urbanized environments are generally less afraid of humans because they have adapted to our daily activities. Some of these birds may even get comfortable approaching humans in search of a quick meal.

While rural birds tend to be less trusting of people, you can often earn their trust – especially if you have a bird feeder. Getting birds to visit your yard comfortably is the first step. Then you can slowly give them time to adjust to your presence.

Spend time working on other projects in your yard while the birds enjoy their treats. Try not to make eye contact or be too loud. Once they’re comfortable with your general presence, you can start getting closer.

Perhaps, sit quietly near the feeder. Eventually, some birds may become comfortable enough to approach you.

Robins can be very friendly and pleasant birds in the garden

Why are some birds not afraid of people?

Some birds are not afraid of humans because they have adapted to our behavior and no longer see us as a threat. Birds often observe unknown animals or potential predators before seeing them as a threat. Birds that do not fear and avoid humans have observed us and learned that we are generally not dangerous.

Many birds are used to not being afraid of humans because they get their food from us. Conditioning occurs when an animal makes a connection between two things.

For urbanized birders or backyard feeders, humans equal food, which creates a positive connection between animals and people.

Backyard feeders are a great way to start building trust with local birds

Do wild birds get used to humans?

Wild birds do get used to humans. As mentioned earlier, birds are usually conditioned to trust most people because they see most people as a source of food. If you provide the foods that birds naturally forage, along with other habitat necessities, various species of birds will begin to visit your yard on a regular basis.

If you treat these visitors with kindness and respect, they will get used to your presence. Some birds can even develop a bond with humans, and they may like to perch on your hand or sit near you when you’re out and about.

However, it is important to remember that wild birds are still wild. Gaining their trust and providing them with a safe haven is lovely, but they should never be kept as pets.

Given enough time and patience, birds like chickadees can often become comfortable enough to eat the seeds in your hand

What is the friendliest wild bird?

Certain species of songbirds are often the friendliest species, including tits, sparrows and nuthatches. These birds are common backyard visitors across the country. They like to hang out at the feeders and seem to particularly enjoy being near humans.

If you’re trying to gain the trust of your backyard birds, these three species are often the first to show up.

What do birds do when they are scared?

When wild birds are frightened or stressed, they often fly to safety and observe the perceived danger. They might even send out a distress call to warn others. Some birds may also go into fight mode when they get scared.

This behavior is more typical in larger birds such as geese or raptors, who may charge or dive bomb if you get too close to the nest.

However, crows, jays and even some songbirds will occasionally dive bomb or attack humans if they feel threatened enough. This is not to say that you should be afraid of any birds, but that wild animals should always be respected, even the smallest birds.

Bluebirds have been known to mob humans when they get too close to their nests

What’s the best way to earn a bird’s trust?

If you want to observe birds up close, it’s crucial to be fairly quiet and not make loud or loud movements – talking, singing or humming are all fine and can even help reduce a bird’s fear. Give the bird you are observing some time to adjust to your presence before attempting to get close.

Why do birds stay away from humans?

Birds often fly away from humans because they see us as threats. We often display predator-like behaviors such as making eye contact and trying to approach. Such behavior puts many birds on alert.