With their melodic overhead twittering and their glorious sky gliding, birds aren’t usually thought of as dangerous. Aside from Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds,” they’re not typically portrayed as a threat to humans.
And while many bird species are generally docile and do their own thing in the sky and on land, there are a handful of birds who have some genuinely unnerving traits that humans should not tempt since they could be used to hurt us. There are even a few species that flat-out can and will attack humans if provoked.
Here are some of the most dangerous birds who are less like feathered friends and more like feathered fiends.
Pelican
Weight: 8.8 to 26 pounds, depending on the species
Physical traits: Larger birds with a deep throat pouch and long beak, typically found on or around water, watching prey
Where to find them: Around the world, but always nearby some larger body of water
Bottom Line: Pelican
As a relatively common bird, many people have likely encountered a pelican in their lives. But one look at their massive size and impressively deep throats, and you may quickly wish you hadn’t.
Though these birds aren’t generally interested in humans and, in fact, will usually abandon their colonies if they perceive too much of a human threat, they’re still not an animal you can trust your little ones around. Great white pelicans can devour pigeons. And some species, including the Austrian, brown and Peruvian pelicans, have been known to eat their own chicks.
Golden Eagle
Weight: Between 5.5 and 17 pounds
Physical traits: Mostly dark-brown birds with impressive talons and intense-looking curved beaks
Where to find them: Around the world, usually in rugged and mountainous areas
Bottom Line: Golden Eagle
Don’t let the fact that this species of eagle is the most common let you think for a moment that it’s the most civilized. These creatures don’t like to be near cities or city centers, preferring to be out in the mountains where they can hunt prey with unnerving accuracy. And if they’re really hungry, they can eat up to 2 pounds in one sitting.
With their large wingspans and intimidating talons, they are protective of the land they’ve carved out for themselves. While they aren’t known to typically engage with humans, preferring to majestically soar above, they are not easily scared creatures. So, it’s best to leave them (and any of their eggs you might find) alone.
Kea
Weight: Between 1.65 and 2.2 pounds
Physical traits: Brown and olive green birds with bright orange feathers visible when they’re wingspan is open
Where to find them: The South Island of New Zealand
Bottom Line: Kea
Most Dangerous Birds to Avoid in the Wild© Getty Images
For anyone who has ever used “bird brain” as an insult, they’ve obviously never met a kea. These highly intelligent birds have been known to work together in flocks with a common goal, to solve complicated pushing and pulling puzzles in order to get food and to prepare and use tools to help them. Because of their smarts, it’s best not to underestimate them.
They’re also omnivores who typically feast on berries, roots and insects. But they can and have killed much larger prey when they’re in the mood. There are instances of them killing various livestock, including sheep.
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