can you kill black birds

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The USDA is killing birds with DRC-1339

The USDA recently admitted to being at fault for a lesser die-off in South Dakota, which exposed a little-known program called “Bye bye Blackbird” that makes use of DRC-1339, a poison also known as an avicide. I didn’t see the evening news highlight this program nationally.

European StarlingAdult European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Salt Lake County, Utah – Nikon D200, f5.6, 1/1000, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm with 1.4x TC at 260mm, natural light

The USDA Wildlife Services program “Bye bye Blackbird” targets blackbirds, starlings, grackles, cowbirds, and pigeons.

A little about European Starlings: I don’t think it’s the fault of the bird; rather, I think the people who brought this species to Central Park in New York in 1890 and 1891 should bear some of the guilt. Few people in North America enjoy European Starlings.

European starlings traveled from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific in just 60 years, and the population that started at just 100 birds is now estimated to be over 200 million. For food and nesting places, they do face competition from native species.

Brewers Blackbird male displayingBrewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) male singing, Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/350, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Red-winged Blackbirds, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Brewer’s Blackbirds, the less common Tricolored Blackbird, and the more uncommon Rusty Blackbird are among the target species of blackbirds. The depredation order is presently being reviewed due to potential effects on the Rusty Blackbird’s declining population.

Brown-headed Cowbird maleBrown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) male, Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 250, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

The Bye bye Blackbird initiative also targets cowbirds; three species are at risk: brown-headed cowbirds, shiny cowbirds, and bronzed cowbirds. The majority of North America is home to Brown-headed Cowbirds, whereas Shiny and Bronzed Cowbirds are more restricted to particular regions.

Great-tailed Grackle male perched on a fence post near a small pond in northern UtahGreat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) male, Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

The “Bye bye Blackbird” program also targets three species of grackles: Common Grackles, Boat-tailed Grackles, and Great-tailed Grackles. The most widespread species in the United States is the common grackle; great-tailed grackles are found in the southwest; and boat-tailed grackles appear to prefer living near the east coast.

Yellow-headed Blackbird singing on old fence post, Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, UtahAdult male Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) male singing, Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Blackbird, Cowbird, and Grackle

No open season is observed for blackbirds, cowbirds, or grackles. A year-round depredation order under federal law permits the taking of those species as specified in 50 CFR Part 21.

FAQ

Can I shoot a black bird?

REGULATIONS Blackbirds, cowbirds, and grackles are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Are black birds protected?

Blackbirds do not attack people. Most species of blackbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918; however, the law allows individuals to eliminate blackbirds that pose a threat to their crops or property.

Can you get rid of blackbirds?

Things You Should Know Make your feeders less attractive to blackbirds by including only food that they don’t like, such as safflower. Play recordings of blackbird alarm calls to disturb flocks roosting in your trees. Use bird spikes or netting to keep blackbirds from roosting on your home.

Why do I have so many blackbirds in my yard?

“There is no truth to the statement that such flocks of birds foretell the weather,” said Pat Leonard, media relations manager for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “These species form large groups on the wintering grounds and during migration, and they roam widely when foraging for food or when roosting together.”