Have you got crows in your garden?
Birds are often welcomed into British gardens, but they can also become a nuisance.
Crows sometimes peck at doors and windows, but there are some simple and harmless ways to deter them.
If the birds are causing issues in your garden, you might be wondering how to keep them away so we asked an expert for their advice – here’s what they said.
Why do crows peck at doors and windows?
Tony King, pest control expert, owner, and manager of The Pied Piper, shared why crows sometimes peck at doors and windows, and you might be surprised.
While they’re much bigger birds than most others you’ll see in UK gardens, it seems they still have their own insecurities.
As with any wild animal, there are predators, and crows are said to believe their own reflection in glass is a rival rather than themselves.
Tony King said: “Crows hit patio doors because they see their own reflection and think it is a rival bird invading their territory.
“This behaviour usually occurs as a result of territorial defence, particularly during the spring breeding season when crows are extra protective of their young.”
However, if you’ve just moved to another property, crows could be lingering because the previous occupants fed them or showed them some kind of attention, and they’re expecting the same treatment from you.
How much damage can a crow do?
Crows pecking at your door or window can cause damage to the glass, including “scratches and degradation of the rubber window seal”, explains King.
He added: “Direct structural damage to patio doors is extremely rare, so financial costs to homeowners are generally minimal to non-existent unless minor seal repairs are needed.”
What do crows eat?
Crows eat a varied diet which includes the likes of nuts, seeds and fruit, according to BBC Countryfile.
The “intelligent” birds also eat insects and small mammals, plus, if they're given the chance, they'll eat food waste and even takeaway leftovers if they come across them.
What can I put in my garden to keep crows away?
King advises that the “most effective way” to stop crows from tapping on the glass is to apply decals to the outside of the glass, including bird-safety tape or a painter’s tape grid.
You can also block their reflection by closing blinds or curtains from the inside so they can’t see themselves in the glass.
If you have crows tapping, another important step to encourage them to stop is to avoid showing them that the tapping gets your attention.
You should ignore it, so they don’t learn that the habit works.
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Which crows do we have in the UK?
Despite all crows seeming quite similar, there are a few species found in the UK, according to the RSPB.
You can look out for the following corvids in the UK:
- Carrion crows (common)
- Rooks (common)
- Jackdaws (common)
- Magpies (common)
- Ravens (less common)
- Jays (only colourful corvid in the UK)
- Hooded crows
- Choughs
Do crows regularly visit your garden? Let us know in the comments below.
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