Top 10 Most Dangerous Birds

Emus are some of the most interesting-looking birds around, with their uniquely shaped, massive bodies. But you have to be careful around them, or they’ll soon get on the defensive. As the second-largest bird, the common emu is strong and fast. They can run as much as 30 miles an hour and have massive feet with toe-claws perfect for kicking predators away. While it's very unlikely for a human to die by an emu’s claws, these birds, mainly found in Australia, can definitely cause some pain. As you'll learn with many birds on this list, the best way to admire an emu is from a distance.

Many animals are protective of their nests, but red-shouldered hawks take it to an extreme level. These North American birds think nothing of attacking humans who they believe are a threat to their nest. Their population has grown in recent years, which includes more of them nesting in residential, suburban areas. Reports of red-shouldered hawk attacks in Fairfield, Connecticut make it sound like a milder version of the town from “The Birds.” If you’re in Fairfield don’t want to deal with a sudden hawk dive-bomb attack, be careful where you’re walking. Or, consider staying inside if you have to.

What is it with Australia and frightening animals? The Australian magpie certainly doesn’t look like much at first glance. But if they don’t like you, they’ll let you know. During the nesting season, they’re incredibly protective of their homes. Any perceived threats can be met with some pecks and subsequent injuries. Attacks are typically from male magpies. However, they’ll likely leave you alone if you’re good to them. Many people in Australia feed magpies, and it appears the birds are less likely to attack those whom they trust. Is this some kind of “bird mafia?”

Who wants to get on a snowy owl’s bad side? Certainly not us. These Arctic owls are diurnal, meaning they’re out both day and night. They’re also very territorial, with immense amounts of courage and some incredibly sharp talons. A snowy owl will go after wolves who try to swipe their eggs, to say nothing of humans. Their nests are in the ground, so they need to be especially careful about keeping mammals away. If you ever find yourself in the Arctic tundra, make sure you do two things: wear a heavy jacket and watch out for snowy owls.

European herring gulls pose a threat to people not only through attacks, but also through causing diseases. Lithuanian researchers found that herring gulls in the country held an E. coli gene that's resistant to drugs. The hypothesis is that a diet of garbage led to the gulls getting E. coli, and it can easily spread to humans. Water can become contaminated with fecal matter from these birds, spreading diseases further. If you think dumping trash on the beach isn't a problem that can come back around to us, think again. They’re also prone to attack humans they believe are a threat, and will even do so in groups.

When you think of a hawk, you probably imagine a large bird with a massive wingspan. But the Harris’s Hawk is quite small, measuring only about two feet long. Don't let their small stature fool you, however, because Harris's hawks, native to the Southwestern United States and portions of South America, can be incredibly vicious when it comes to attacks. They find strength in numbers, hunting, and attacking in packs. Pressure from Harris's hawk talons is four times greater than what any human can apply. However, it's possible to develop a positive relationship with these birds. They're often used for falconry and are said to be quite sociable.

There are many types of dangerous birds in North America, but the barred owl is said to be the only one deemed responsible for someone’s death. A South Carolina woman was reportedly attacked by a barred owl, receiving severe injuries. During the attack, she fell down some stairs and was knocked unconscious, dying before she could receive medical attention. This might be an isolated incident, but it shows just how aggressive birds can be, and how important receiving prompt medical attention is. There have also been reports of barred owls sending people flying out of trees to protect their nests. Maybe they should invest in some “Keep out” signs?

The common ostrich is the largest bird on Earth, and it can be very dangerous if you don’t act right around them. They're a bit like emus, except they're bigger, run faster, and kick harder. An ostrich can run up to 45 miles an hour, and its kicks are intense enough to take down a lion. If you encounter any ostriches in their native Africa or another habitat, don’t panic. Just make sure you don’t do anything that could come across as threatening. Although the number of deaths from ostrich attacks is quite low, you certainly don’t want to take any chances around them. Oh, and did you know that none other than Johnny Cash survived an ostrich attack?

You should be wary around the southern cassowary. These flightless birds aren't as big as ostriches, but they can be just as fierce. Although they're stunning to look at, with their mix of black, blue, red, and brown coloring, admiring their beauty too closely can come with a price. Not only are cassowaries capable of powerful kicks with sharp claws, but they can also jump seven feet in the air and are adept swimmers. While deaths from their attacks aren’t certain, they’re still possible. Maybe just look at photos or videos of these birds instead?


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Mute Swan
These Birds Are Seen as Graceful, But They Can Be Incredibly Dangerous

Red-Tailed Hawk
This Hawk Breed Also Goes After Humans

Harpy Eagle
This Giant Eagle, Found Across Brazil, Is Plenty Fierce

Lammergeier
These Bearded Vultures Can Hurt Humans Through Dropping Hard Items Like Bones

If you’re not in New Guinea, you won’t come across any pitohuis. That’s good news because these birds are extremely dangerous. Pitohuis are actually poisonous, the deadliest variety being the hooded pitohui. On its body is a toxin shared by poison dart frogs. In fact, Papua New Guineans refer to them as “rubbish birds,” due to their toxicity. While they don't send out venom like a snake would, eating or even touching a pitohui can prove fatal. You can certainly see how much of an evolutionary advantage this is. The lesson is: be very careful if you’re ever going bird-watching in New Guinea.