Despite their bold behavior, brightly colored feathers, and loud vocalizations, many North American songbirds are still prey for larger animals. These predators can range from mammals like cats, to large birds like hawks, and even snakes. As a result, many birds have developed ways to alert each other of threats. This article takes a look at 5 species of birds that warn each other, as well as other animals, about danger.
5 Birds That Warn Other Animals Of Danger
1. Blue Jays
Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata
Blue Jays have a loud and raucous call that’s anything but relaxing. This unmistakable, slightly metallic vocalization is usually heard in the mornings when jays claim a territory full of acorns for their own. It’s also common throughout the day when they spot hawks, snakes, or even raccoons.
A Blue Jay never passes up an opportunity to announce something to its surroundings. Many smaller songbirds use them as security monitors; if the Blue Jay calls, there is danger present.
Not one to pass up an opportunity to do a little scaring of their own, Blue Jays are very capable of imitating a Red-shouldered Hawk’s scream. This species of hawk is a predator to many songbirds. Blue Jays may imitate it in order to warn other Blue Jays to watch out. But they may also use this call to trick other birds and scare them away from a food source they want to dominate.
Look for Blue Jays in the Eastern United States and in the Great Plains. Some live in southern Canada as well. They will visit backyard feeders, and peanuts either shelled or in the shell are a favorite.
2. American Crow
Scientific name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
The American Crow is part of the family Corvidae, a group of passerines that are extremely intelligent. Not only will related crows stick together in loosely-related family units, but they will also travel in pairs, work together, and create tools to achieve their goals of finding food or things they want. This extends to avoiding danger too.
If you live in an area with crows, yo