54 Hilarious Photos Of Angry Birds Showing Just How Mean They Can Be (New Pics)

The main thing to keep in mind is that birds aren’t exactly “mean” as human beings might be to one another or other species. We interpret birds’ aggressive, unfair, chaotic, and territorial behavior as being intentionally jerk-like.

However, these birds are very likely simply doing whatever they need to do to survive. They're probably being "mean" rationally, with a specific goal in mind, not for the joy of making your day a smidgen more miserable.

Broadly speaking, hearing birdsong is good for your mental health. Birdwatching also satisfies your curiosity and makes you feel more connected to nature. It’s also entertaining!

So, you should aim to find a way to coexist with your avian neighbors, even if they’re sometimes hard to understand. You can start by building a small bird oasis if you’re feeling generous.

The David Suzuki Foundation suggests growing plants that provide local birds with food and habitat. You can also set up a bird bath, provide nesting material, and set up feeders.

Meanwhile, the National Audubon Society emphasizes that the 5 basics you should provide birds are:

1. Clean water
2. Plants with flowers for nectar and insects
3. Fruit-bearing plants to provide fuel for migration and winter
4. Layers of plants for cover and thermal protection
5. Nesting habitat and materials

“Native plants are key—their architecture, flowers, fruits, and scents are ideal for restoring the communities and relationships birds depend on. Yards that mimic surrounding natural plant communities not only attract more kinds of birds, they could help reverse the loss of urban biodiversity," the Society says.

Previously, the Bored Panda team got in touch with birders Hannah and Erik, the hosts of the Go Birding Podcast. They were kind enough to tell us all about avian behavior. They noted that while birdwatching, they’ve noticed some species showing “jerk-like” behaviors.

"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!" the husband-and-wife duo told Bored Panda during an earlier interview.

According to Hannah and Erik, corvids, such as crows and jays, have higher intelligence than many other birds. And so, they are more likely to act “mean,” as we, humans, would define it.

"This [intelligence] helps them adapt and thrive in harsh environments. Sometimes this causes them to be a bit mischievous,” they said.

“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,” Hannah and Erik told Bored Panda.

However, broadly speaking, birds aren’t acting like “jerks” intentionally. They are only doing what animals prioritize—their survival.

“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.”

The couple suggests watching a bird for a while and putting yourself in its shoes so that you try to figure out its motivations. Often, there are very rational reasons for them being “mean.”

Meanwhile, Isabelle Manseau, owner of Birdzy, told the Bored Panda earlier that birds can definitely behave in ways that people interpret as chaotic or jerk-like.

“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 said.

"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,” Isabelle explained.

According to her, certain species are definitely more likely to behave in what we’d call mean ways.

For instance, European starlings, an invasive species in many regions, often outcompete native birds for food and nesting sites. Human beings see this as aggressive behavior. And yet, from the starlings’ perspective, they are doing what they can to survive and thrive.

Furthermore, house sparrows are also known for their aggressive behavior at bird feeders. They tend to chase other birds away so they can dominate resources.

Red-winged blackbirds are also “fiercely territorial during breeding season.” Isabelle explained to our team that they will “aggressively dive-bomb anything that comes near their nests, including humans and larger animals.”

The thing to keep in mind is that birds tend not to have the same emotional complexity as us, human beings. So, they aren’t “mean” in the same way that other people might be mean.

“Their behaviors are often driven by survival instincts, such as securing food, defending territory, or protecting their young. For example, a bird stealing food from another bird isn’t being ‘mean’ on purpose—it’s simply trying to survive,” she said.

“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.’”

The ‘Birds Being [Jerks]’ online group has been amusing the internet with funny bird photos since February 2013.

We want to hear your stories after you’ve upvoted your favorite pics in this list.

What kinds of birds do you most commonly see around your home and work? How friendly are they?

Are there any mean birds in your neighborhood that like to bully everyone around them? If so, have you managed to handle them gracefully?

Tell us all about it in the comments.