Latest news with #redwingedblackbird
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Red-winged blackbirds are attacking Toronto residents again. Here is why
The red-winged blackbird is a familiar and noisy inhabitant of nearly any wet habitat across Canada. (Canadian Wildlife Federation/Keith Sharkey) Torontonians hoping to enjoy a walk or run this summer should prepare to be back on the defensive as dive-bombing attacks from the notoriously small but mighty red-winged blackbirds have reportedly returned. The small bird that bears an uncanny resemblance to the famed bird from the Angry Birds game, shares more similarities than just their bold-coloured appearance. Pedestrians and runners around the city have taken to social media to report sightings of the birds. In past years, the bird's have been particularly prevalent in Toronto's Liberty Village neighbourhood, but experts say they are common near areas with dense vegetation and water. But why do the birds display such high levels of aggression? The songbirds' defence mechanism is triggered when humans or other large animals approach their nesting areas, which can lead to them defending their nests against what they perceive as a threat, Andrés Jiménez Monge, the Executive Director of Ontario Nature told CTV News on Tuesday. 'They're defending because they have a housing crisis,' Monge says. 'Very little ecosystems and habitats are left in certain areas, and some cases, in those poor-quality habitats that are left, one male ends up with having a ton of females (mates) because that's where they found an opportunity to nest.' The birds that carry out these aerial attacks are usually the males of the species, he adds. The breeding season of the red-winged blackbird begins in early May and could continue until August, when they can be witnessed flocking in the marshlands preparing to migrate for the winter, Monge says. Primarily, they nest in areas with dense vegetation, like parts of marshlands or in wetlands, he explains. But due to rapid urban development, much of their natural habitat is now closer to the residential population. The blackbirds usually call out warnings prior to taking any action and attacking, but most people – like runners or pedestrians wearing headphones – don't hear their calls, he adds, which leads to them attacking anyone who comes close to their nests. 'They fiercely defend their territories during the breeding season, spending more than a quarter of daylight hours in territorial defence,' Monge says. He states that being mindful of the animals and birds and their habitats could substantially decrease the likelihood of being attacked by them. 'Pay attention to the birds. Look at them and realize if they are calling and singing,' Monge says. 'And if they (people) just stand a little bit away from dense vegetation where they like to nest, they will easily avoid being confronted by a red-winged blackbird.'
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Red-winged blackbirds are attacking Toronto residents again. Here is why
The red-winged blackbird is a familiar and noisy inhabitant of nearly any wet habitat across Canada. (Canadian Wildlife Federation/Keith Sharkey) Torontonians hoping to enjoy a walk or run this summer should prepare to be back on the defensive as dive-bombing attacks from the notoriously small but mighty red-winged blackbirds have reportedly returned. The small bird that bears an uncanny resemblance to the famed bird from the Angry Birds game, shares more similarities than just their bold-coloured appearance. Pedestrians and runners around the city have taken to social media to report sightings of the birds. In past years, the bird's have been particularly prevalent in Toronto's Liberty Village neighbourhood, but experts say they are common near areas with dense vegetation and water. But why do the birds display such high levels of aggression? The songbirds' defence mechanism is triggered when humans or other large animals approach their nesting areas, which can lead to them defending their nests against what they perceive as a threat, Andrés Jiménez Monge, the Executive Director of Ontario Nature told CTV News on Tuesday. 'They're defending because they have a housing crisis,' Monge says. 'Very little ecosystems and habitats are left in certain areas, and some cases, in those poor-quality habitats that are left, one male ends up with having a ton of females (mates) because that's where they found an opportunity to nest.' The birds that carry out these aerial attacks are usually the males of the species, he adds. The breeding season of the red-winged blackbird begins in early May and could continue until August, when they can be witnessed flocking in the marshlands preparing to migrate for the winter, Monge says. Primarily, they nest in areas with dense vegetation, like parts of marshlands or in wetlands, he explains. But due to rapid urban development, much of their natural habitat is now closer to the residential population. The blackbirds usually call out warnings prior to taking any action and attacking, but most people – like runners or pedestrians wearing headphones – don't hear their calls, he adds, which leads to them attacking anyone who comes close to their nests. 'They fiercely defend their territories during the breeding season, spending more than a quarter of daylight hours in territorial defence,' Monge says. He states that being mindful of the animals and birds and their habitats could substantially decrease the likelihood of being attacked by them. 'Pay attention to the birds. Look at them and realize if they are calling and singing,' Monge says. 'And if they (people) just stand a little bit away from dense vegetation where they like to nest, they will easily avoid being confronted by a red-winged blackbird.'
National Post
3 days ago
- General
- National Post
Angry, red-winged blackbirds of death resume their seasonal attacks on Toronto denizens
New to the city, I'd heard whispers of Toronto's angry birds. I'd even mocked signage on the waterfront warning me to beware their avian wrath. Article content Now, in a plot twist one might expect from Edgar Allen Poe, one of the winged devils has set itself up in a tree outside my West-end condominium. Article content Article content 'It appears to be protecting its nest and has been observed attacking pedestrians who walk nearby. We advise all residents to exercise caution when walking in the area. Please see the attached photo for reference.' Article content Article content I scrolled down my email and locked eyes with the creature that has been described as 'feathered and a tiny bit ferocious' — the notorious red-winged blackbird. Article content Attacks by this creature are, by no means, a new or rare phenomenon, I've come to learn since moving to this city, which has fielded complaints about 'attacks' the last two years. Though most likely go unreported. Article content Fearful of nothing, these winged demons have been known to attack large animals, including horses, and, as we know too well, poor, unsuspecting Torontonians just going about their business. Article content Dive-bombing, red-winged blackbirds are recognizable by their red and yellow ' shoulder badges, ' reminiscent of military stripes. But even this description may not keep you safe, as you'll never see them coming. These ferocious harpies are known to swoop out of trees, attacking passersby from behind, striking at their scalps with their talons or beaks. Article content Article content Attacks begin in the spring, when the winged polygynous devils begin to multiply. Article content Article content The species typically starts nesting and incubating its eggs in early June, Nancy Barrett, director-at-large of the Toronto Ornithological Club, well-versed in these flying agents of Cthulhu, told Global News last year at this time. But Torontonians should expect attacks anytime during their mating season, which lasts from late April until the end of July. Article content It's at this time when the highly polygynous males enjoy the company of up to 15 female mates, described as brownish in colour and more subdued. Article content Despite their vicious territorial defence system, 'one-quarter to one-half of nestlings turn out to have been sired by someone other than the territorial male.' Perhaps this explains the males' aggressive nature. Article content I try to empathize with the creature outside my building, telling myself, I'd be frantic and aggressive, too, if I had to fly around and defend 15 nests. The poor fellas are simply exhausted. Perhaps I could reason with the beast, explaining the benefits of monogamy.
