Common bird species

Many of the bird species in the U.S. are good to have around, thanks to their attractive plumage and birdsongs. However, some birds can become a serious nuisance in the wrong locations, especially pigeons and starlings.

Learn more below about common types of pest birds found across the country.

• Black vultures
• Canadian geese
• Cliff & barn swallows
• Crows
• Grackles
• House sparrows
• Pigeons
• Seagulls
• Starlings
• Woodpeckers

Black vultures

(Coragyps atratus)

Found abundantly throughout the Southeastern United States, these broad-winged scavengers can soar high above the ground, using their keen eyesight to search for food in the sky.

Canadian geese

(Branta canadensis)

Canadian geese are the most common goose in North America. Unlike other members of this family that are primarily aquatic, this species is mainly terrestrial. They have adapted well to civilization and can be found near park ponds, golf courses, and commercial businesses with spacious exterior landscaping.

Cliff and Barn Swallows

(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, Hirundo rustica)

Cliff and Barn Swallows can be found in all lower 48 states of America and pockets in Alaska. The cliff swallow tends to breed mostly in the Western half of the U.S. These heavily protected species can cause problems for businesses and areas of human occupation during their nesting season, as it is unlawful to disrupt their nests. They can also make a mess with mud and feces.

Crows

(Corvus)

Crows are known for being intelligent and calculated thieves, scavenging for food anywhere from the side of the road to garbage dumps.

Grackles

(Quiscalus)

Located throughout the east and Midwestern region of the United States, this large blackbird is commonly found on lawns outside of homes and businesses, carefully searching for insects to devour.

House sparrows

(Passer domesticus)

The House sparrow is a significant pest to the food industry because of the risk of contamination from their droppings and the damage done to packaged goods.

Pigeons

(Columba livia)

Also known as city doves or street pigeons, they are descended from wild rock doves. They thrive in an urban environment and only require the smallest amount of shelter on buildings.

Seagulls

(Laridae)

Though commonly referred to as “seagulls,” these birds are properly named “gulls.” They are often found in coastal towns and cities and only a small number are recognized as being pest birds, such as the Herring gull (Larus argentatus).

Starlings

(Sturnus vulgaris)

Starlings were originally introduced to North American in 1890. From the fifteen pairs that survived, starling populations have increased a million-fold. Today, starlings can be found throughout the United States.

Woodpeckers

(Picidae)

Woodpeckers get their name from their feeding habit of routinely pecking at wood for food, shelter, to establish territories and to attract mates. Their noisy drilling can make them quite a nuisance for businesses and homeowners and even cause severe damage to structures.