Birds

Background

There are more than 60 species of birds that cause damage to horticultural crops in Australia. These include both:

  • native birds, such as corellas and currawongs
  • introduced birds, such as the starling and common myna.

There is potential for other bird species to become pests, including those that are kept as pet birds.

Impacts

Pest birds are a horticultural, environmental and social pest.

It is estimated that pest birds cost horticultural industries more than $310 million every year. This includes:

  • damage to the shoots, stems, foliage and buds of fruit, vegetables and cereal crops
  • secondary spoilage caused by infection with mould, yeasts, bacteria and insect damage.

Pest birds consume grain from feedlots, storage areas and farms. They can also be a nuisance in urban areas by:

  • being noisy in large numbers
  • contaminating an area with droppings and damaging infrastructure.

Many pest bird species carry parasites, such as lice, and diseases like salmonella and cryptococci.

Some introduced birds also:

  • threaten biodiversity
  • compete with native species for food resources and nesting sites.

Controlling pest birds

Reducing bird damage is difficult because of the unpredictability of damage from year to year. The most effective forms of control are:

  • exclusion netting
  • acoustic deterrents
  • visual deterrents
  • shooting
  • chemicals.

Modification to the birds’ habitat is also an effective control approach, by reducing access to:

  • nesting and roosting
  • food and water.

The most appropriate method will depend upon the species of pest bird and what damage is being caused.

Many introduced birds are kept as pets. If you keep a pet bird, it is essential that they are kept in a secure aviary. It is illegal to release any pet bird, even for a quick flight around the backyard.

Reporting pest birds

StarlingScan provides a tool for reporting of starlings, management activities undertaken and photos of the impacts of starlings. The information is used to identify practical solutions and coordinated control of starlings.

More information

Pestsmart connect

How to report an established pest animal

If you see an established pest animal, we want to hear about it!

Report sightings via the Feral Scan website or app.

FeralScan
Page last reviewed: 14 Apr 2023

 


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