7 Invasive Bird Species We See In North America
Invasive birds shape the North American landscape more than most people realize. Many of these species compete with native birds for food, nesting space, and habitat. Some even cause damage to crops or disrupt local ecosystems. Understanding which species are common helps people make sense of what they see in their yards, parks, and towns, so here are the most common invasive bird species you'll see in North America.
European Starling
European starlings spread fast after being released in New York in the late 1800s. Today, they gather in large flocks that overwhelm farmland and crowd out native cavity nesters. Their calls and movements are easy to spot in open fields and city areas. Homeowners usually notice them around feeders or rooflines. Although they're extremely common, keeping them from settling in buildings is still an important step.
House Sparrow
House sparrows are small, loud, and used to people. They nest in almost any available gap, especially around porches and sheds. They compete with native birds for nesting sites and can be aggressive toward bluebirds and swallows. Removing abandoned nests and blocking holes helps keep them from spreading around a home. Many people see them in parking lots and busy neighborhoods. They adapt easily, which is why they remain one of the most widespread invasive birds.
Rock Pigeon
Yes, pigeons are technically invasive. Rock pigeons arrived in North America with early settlers and now live in nearly every city. They survive on food waste and gather on buildings where they can roost in safe and sheltered spots. Their droppings damage structures and can build up fast in large groups. These once-domesticated birds thrive anywhere people gather.
European Collared Dove
European collared doves expanded across North America in only a few decades. They favor open suburban areas and agricultural zones. Their soft calls travel surprisingly far, and they take advantage of easy food sources like spilled grain or backyard feed. While less aggressive than some invasive species, they still push out natives by taking over feeding stations.
Mute Swan
Mute swans are beautiful, but cause real problems in lakes and wetlands. They uproot plants that local waterfowl depend on and defend large territories. They can displace ducks, geese, and other native waterfowl species. Managing shoreline vegetation and avoiding direct feeding helps reduce this conflict. Some regions even run mute-swan-specific control programs to prevent further spread
Ring Necked Pheasant
Ring necked pheasants were introduced to North America for hunting and adapted well to farmland. While not as damaging as some species, they compete with native ground birds in certain regions. Their presence also changes how other species forage and nest. Restoring grasslands and protecting native ground cover helps reduce these pressures. Their bright colors make them striking, but they have a big impact on field bird populations.
House Finch
House finches are technically native to North America, but they're only native to the Western half of it. They became invasive in the East after the pet trade eventually released them. Their spread wouldn't be a major concern if not for the eye disease they often carry. This illness moves quickly through crowded feeders and affects many native birds. Cleaning feeders often and offering smaller amounts of seed helps limit any transmission of disease.
Invasive birds come from many places and each one changes the environment in its own way. Some displace local species through competition, while others alter habitat structure or spread illness through dense flocks. People like you can make small choices that help reduce the pressure on native birds, from cleaning feeders to better yard management. Understanding which species are invasive is the first step. Awareness makes it easier to support the wildlife that truly belongs here.