When we think of
birds, we usually picture some small peaceful creatures, symbolising peace and
freedom. But it is not always the case. Some birds can be extremely scary and
they can even cause death. Here’s a list of 10 most dangerous birds:
1. Southern Cassowary
This is the most
dangerous bird that inhabits the rainforests in New Guinea and Northwestern
Australia. They have blue skin patches and black feathers. They weigh more than
130 pounds and are about 6 feet tall. They are highly protective about their
territory. They have razor sharp spurs and have the strongest kick forces
amongst animals. In 2007, this bird was declared the most dangerous bird by the
Guinness Book of Records.
2. The
African Ostrich
This is the largest
bird on the Earth and the only surviving and remaining ostrich species in the
world after the extinction of Arabian Ostrich. The Ostrich looks comical, but
is dangerous, standing about 7 feet tall. It weighs around 240 pounds. They run
at a speed of 43 miles per hour.They attack humans when they sense any danger
to their young ones or to their habitat. They can kill humans in just few
seconds.
3.
European Herring Gull
The European
Herring Gulls are dangerous and pose a particular threat to humans as they
build nests in the urban areas. They attack humans when they try to steal food
from populated areas. They often cause injuries to people with their extremely
sharp bills.
4.Great
Northern Loon
The great northern
loon is commonly found near the lakes in the temperate forest regions, boreal
forests and also in the arctic tundra landscapes in North America and Northern
Eurasia. They weigh about 8 to 12 pounds. They have razor sharp and pointed bills
to spear apart the fish prey. This dangerous bird has killed an ornithologist
mistaking him for a predator.
5. The
Mute Swan
The mute swan seems
like a very peaceful creature, but it is actually a very territorial bird. It
is found in Eurasia, but it can also be spotted in other parts of the world
including North America. The mute swan can be found in places frequented by
humans, such as community lakes or park ponds. When feeling threatened, it can
attacks people and it can cause eye injuries or even broken bones due to their
muscular wings.
6. The
Barred Owl
The barred owl is
found in the swamp forests of Southern United States of America.It weights
between 2.5 to about 3 pounds, so it generally attacks smaller preys. The
targets do not hear them coming due to their specialized feathers. The swoop
and attack the head of the target with their razor sharp talons. They claw,
peck and squeeze the target. They can cause serious head injuries. Hikers that
hike in the Pacific Northwest are often attacked by the Barred Owls.
7.
Lammergeier
Lammergies is the
German term for “lamb vulture”. Lammergeiers have a thing for the soft marrow
present inside the bone. When other vultures feed and stirp the carcass, the
only thing remains is the marrow. Lammergeiers carry the bones in the air and
then drop them on the rocks from a height to shatter the bone and access the
marrow. This becomes quite dangerous for a human in the close vicinity.
8. Snowy Owl
The snowy owl is
the Earth’s most northerly bird of prey. These dangerous birds breed around the
Arctic Circle on the tundra region. They can easily survive in the lowest
temperature, as low as minus 50 degrees. The snowy owl attacks its target very
strategically. If the target is human, it may target the head and the face with
the razor sharp talons. It can cause serious injuries to the eyes.
9. Falcon
Falcons have really
sharp talons and beaks and they also consider humans as dangerous. Falcons are
territorial birds, so they won’t hesitate to attack. If you are close to their
nest, you are in danger. They have a hook- shaped beak, which helps them tear
flesh apart and also cut through the victim’s spinal cord. Due to this fact,
they pose a particular threat to humans.
10.
Red-tailed Hawk
Hawks are thought
to be one of the most intelligent birds.The red-tailed hawk defends its nest
fiercely and often sees humans as a danger, especially if their nest is in an
area frequented by humans.While flying, it tracks its prey and catches them by
swooping swiftly and speedily. The red- tailed hawks have massive talons and
claws and it can cause fatal injuries.