50 Funny Photos That Show Birds Being Jerks For Absolutely No Reason (New Pics)

Also, we reached out to birders and hosts of theHannah and Erik Go BirdingPodcast,Hannah and Erik, and Isabelle Manseau, owner ofBirdzy, who kindly agreed to tell us more about the mean behaviors of avians.

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Text post humorously describing a parrot’s understanding of the word “no,” showcasing birds being jerks.

A bird acting like a jerk, photobombing a highway camera in a series of humorous close-up shots.

Bird inside a container of seeds, displaying funny behavior.

Birders and hosts of theHannah and Erik Go BirdingPodcast, Hannah and Erik are a husband-and-wife duo who spend their free time exploring, crossing birds off their list, and traveling to new places. The couple started their podcast to hopefully inspire others, share their adventures, and encourage future and present birders.Hannah and Erik tell Bored Panda that they have noticed quite a few species exhibiting “jerk-like” behaviors in their time birdwatching.“One species that comes to mind is the Northern Mockingbird, a fairly common bird throughout much of the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. These birds become very territorial during the breeding season and drive off potential threats and competitors. We’ve even seen two individuals fighting in the road, almost as if to push one another in front of a car!” they share.

Hannah and Erik tell Bored Panda that they have noticed quite a few species exhibiting “jerk-like” behaviors in their time birdwatching.

“One species that comes to mind is the Northern Mockingbird, a fairly common bird throughout much of the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. These birds become very territorial during the breeding season and drive off potential threats and competitors. We’ve even seen two individuals fighting in the road, almost as if to push one another in front of a car!” they share.

Bird flying off with a pizza slice, leaving an empty box on a patio table, showcasing funny bird antics.

Grumpy bird perched on a backyard chair, looking directly at the camera.

A small bird hitching a ride on a larger bird’s stick in flight, illustrating birds being total jerks in nature.

Isabelle Manseau, owner ofBirdzy, agrees that birds can exhibit behaviors that humans can interpret as “jerk-like” or chaotic. “One of the most chaotic examples is the behavior of seagulls in coastal areas. They are notorious for their bold food-stealing antics, often snatching food directly from people’s hands or even swooping down to steal snacks from outdoor tables,” she told us.“Another example is the common grackle, which forms large, noisy flocks that can dominate bird feeders, pushing out smaller birds and creating a lot of commotion. Additionally, blue jays are known for their aggressive behavior at feeders, often scaring away other birds and even mimicking hawk calls to clear the area for themselves.”

“Another example is the common grackle, which forms large, noisy flocks that can dominate bird feeders, pushing out smaller birds and creating a lot of commotion. Additionally, blue jays are known for their aggressive behavior at feeders, often scaring away other birds and even mimicking hawk calls to clear the area for themselves.”

A crow grasps a knife with its beak, humorously portraying birds as mischievous.

A robin just knocked over a metal bird we keep on the table outside, then stared me down asking me what I was going to do about it.

A bird stands defiantly next to a bird statue on a slatted bench, surrounded by autumn leaves, illustrating funny bird antics.

Colorful bird playfully pulling white bird’s tail on a branch.

Isabelle’s creation,Birdzy, offers handmadebirdfood that is packed with high-energy food, rich in protein and fat. “I quickly realized that the store-bought seed was like junk food for birds and I wanted to provide a better dining experience,” she wrote on her website.“As I created and refined my blends and created handmade birdseed gifts, I found myself drawn into a vibrant community of bird enthusiasts. We shared tips, stories, and lots of laughter. The positive feedback and happiness from the community and customers only fueled my passion further.

“As I created and refined my blends and created handmade birdseed gifts, I found myself drawn into a vibrant community of bird enthusiasts. We shared tips, stories, and lots of laughter. The positive feedback and happiness from the community and customers only fueled my passion further.

Bird flying in front of a formation of red jets, creating a humorous scene.

A bird playfully knocks a person over on a golf course, showcasing birds being jerks.

Pigeon balancing an egg on a spiked ledge, showcasing birds being jerks in a city setting.

In general, Hannah and Erik say that corvids, like crows and jays, are more susceptible to acting (in human terms) mean because they have a higher intelligence than a lot of otherbirds.“This helps them adapt and thrive in harsh environments. Sometimes this causes them to be a bit mischievous. For example, jays are incredible mimics and will often mimic the call of a raptor, which confuses smaller birds (and sometimes birders). They use this to scare all the little birds away from feeders so they can have it to themselves.”

In general, Hannah and Erik say that corvids, like crows and jays, are more susceptible to acting (in human terms) mean because they have a higher intelligence than a lot of otherbirds.

“This helps them adapt and thrive in harsh environments. Sometimes this causes them to be a bit mischievous. For example, jays are incredible mimics and will often mimic the call of a raptor, which confuses smaller birds (and sometimes birders). They use this to scare all the little birds away from feeders so they can have it to themselves.”

Bird being a jerk by claiming a seat on a chair, humorously captioned “Sorry Bro, Seats Taken."

Two birds by a feeder, with one bird pushing the other, showcasing funny bird behavior.

Bird humor: a bird pokes a fish from underwater, showcasing its mischievous antics.

“Certain bird species are more likely to display behaviors that humans might perceive as mean,” seconds Isabelle.“European starlings are invasive in many regions and frequently outcompete native birds for nesting sites and food, which can come across as aggressive or unfair. House sparrows are known for their aggressive behavior at bird feeders, often chasing away other birds to monopolize resources. Red-winged blackbirds are fiercely territorial during breeding season and will aggressively dive-bomb anything that comes near their nests, including humans and larger animals.”

“Certain bird species are more likely to display behaviors that humans might perceive as mean,” seconds Isabelle.

“European starlings are invasive in many regions and frequently outcompete native birds for nesting sites and food, which can come across as aggressive or unfair. House sparrows are known for their aggressive behavior at bird feeders, often chasing away other birds to monopolize resources. Red-winged blackbirds are fiercely territorial during breeding season and will aggressively dive-bomb anything that comes near their nests, including humans and larger animals.”

Three sparrows perched on a bicycle handlebar, showcasing birds being funny.

A cockatoo humorously poses with a raised claw, showcasing birds being total jerks.

A seagull on a wooden pier looking down at a slice of pizza, illustrating birds being total jerks.

However, such birds aren’t acting like “jerks” on purpose, Hannah and Erik tell us. “The goal for animals is to survive and pass their genes on. So any actions that might be considered mean or “jerk-like” are likely helping that bird to fulfill this purpose. Some birds tend to have more attitude than others, which could help them protect their territory, find mates, or chase off predators.”

Bird sitting defiantly on a yellow floral wreath on a white door, displaying jerk-like behavior.

Two birds compared: fierce hawk versus a squawking cockatiel, showcasing the humor in birds being jerks.

Seagull standing on a bench holding dentures, showcasing birds being jerks.

Seagull drinking from a container labeled “Dogs Only, No Seagulls,” humorously ignoring the rule.

Bird wearing a cardboard hat, perched humorously inside its cage, looking playful.

A bird bothering a person on a tree-lined sidewalk, showcasing funny bird behavior.

“If you see a bird doing something “mean,” watch it for a while and put yourself in its shoes to see if you can figure out its motivations,” Hannah and Erik suggest.Meanwhile, Isabelle says, “Understanding the motivations behind bird behavior can help reframe these actions as natural and necessary for their survival, rather than labeling them as “mean” or “jerks.””

“If you see a bird doing something “mean,” watch it for a while and put yourself in its shoes to see if you can figure out its motivations,” Hannah and Erik suggest.

Meanwhile, Isabelle says, “Understanding the motivations behind bird behavior can help reframe these actions as natural and necessary for their survival, rather than labeling them as “mean” or “jerks.””

Green parrot pecking at ripe pears by the window, showcasing birds being total jerks.

Bird perched on a “No Fishing” sign holding a fish in its beak, showcasing its mischievous behavior.

A pigeon sitting on a fake owl’s head on a ledge, showcasing birds being jerks.

A bird walking across wet cement leaving footprints, acting like a total jerk.

Injury report humorously detailing an incident where an employee was beaten by swan wings, depicting birds being total jerks.

Car covered in bird droppings, showcasing birds being total jerks.

Close-up of a bird’s open beak, appearing curious and humorous in a park setting.

Bird balances on another bird’s head on a rooftop, demonstrating funny bird behavior.

Ducklings swim in a flooded truck bed by the shore, highlighting birds being jerks in a comical scene.

A cheeky blue bird flaps its wings and open beak, showing amusing jerk behavior.

Seagull steals ice cream from an elderly man, illustrating birds being total jerks.

Owl being a jerk to a deer at night, causing it to flee in surprise.

Birds being jerks: A sparrow grabs a fry from a plate on an outdoor table next to a can of Lipton.

Seagull stands defiantly on a window ledge, staring inside a building, showcasing birds being jerks.

Bird pecking at a person’s shoe on a pavement by a railing, showcasing birds being jerks.

Bird stealing ice cream from a person’s hand by the seaside.

Bird blocking a doorbell camera view on a sunny day, showcasing its funny side.

A funny bird on a laptop next to a dinosaur image, looking surprised.

Bird playfully stealing spaghetti from a plate, showcasing funny bird antics at the dining table.

Two pigeons on a sidewalk, one eating bread while a smaller bird looks on eagerly, showcasing funny bird behavior.