How to Get Rid of Black Birds

Attracting wild birds to backyard bird feeders keeps many people entertained. Not only is it a fun challenge to see what birds you can bring to your bird feeders, but it is also enjoyable to watch the birds from a nearby vantage point as they feed and preen in your yard. Unfortunately, often a backyard bird feeder will attract some kinds of birds you may not want. If blackbirds are eating all of your birdseed and keeping other birds away, there are several things to try to get rid of them.

Things You'll Need

  • Safflower seeds
  • Cage bird feeders
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Instructions

    • 1

      Leave any platform bird feeders empty because blackbirds prefer this type of feeder. If it is empty, blackbirds may not visit your yard. Do not scatter birdseed on the ground either because this attracts blackbirds.

    • 2

      Choose birdseed that does not contain milo seeds, cracked corn and millet. Blackbirds eat these seeds while many other birds do not, so do not draw them to your yard with birdseed they like.

    • 3

      Fill bird feeders with safflower seeds because blackbirds do not like these seeds and other birds (like cardinals, wrens, jays and chickadees) enjoy these seeds.

    • 4

      Purchase special bird feeders designed to keep larger birds out of the birdseed. Some bird feeders have short perches that black birds cannot sit on. Other bird feeders have weighted perches designed to close the opening to the birdseed when large birds land. Another type of bird feeder has a special wire cage surrounding either the entire feeder or the individual feeding ports that will prevent large birds from eating the birdseed.