Modern birds are descended from two-legged dinosaurs or theropods, like the Tyrannosaurus rex or the Carnotaurus. While it may be difficult to tell from birds like pigeons or sparrows, the ancestry becomes more pronounced when looking at more dangerous species like the cassowary, widely believed to be the most dangerous bird in the world.
Birds may not seem dangerous to most people. But sometimes, most notably during the breeding season, they may show a less friendly side to people.
List of Dangerous Birds
1. Cassowary
All three cassowary species are considered among the most dangerous birds on the planet. The real threat of these birds comes from their powerful legs, which end in dagger-like talons. While ordinarily shy with a preference to avoid contact, if threatened, they will attack. There have been several recorded deaths caused by cassowaries, the most recent being in Florida in 2019.
2. Hooded Pitohui
While a tiny bird like the hooded pitohui isn’t physically intimidating, it is the world’s most poisonous bird. The feathers and skin of these birds secrete the same toxin as the golden poison dart frog, which can kill an adult human.
3. Crowned Eagle
There have been rumors of this African raptorial bird attacking human children. These rumors are further exacerbated by the aggression these birds show when approached while nesting. The injuries caused by these eagles include open wounds that require medical attention.
4. Australian Magpie
While usually, this bird isn’t a threat to humans, that changes during the bird’s breeding season. Often referred to as “swooping season”, male Australian magpies become very protective of their nests at this time. This leads to them aggressively attacking anything around them they believe to be a threat, even injuring humans.
5. Ostrich
Ostriches are not known for being aggressive, either generally or to humans. But they can deliver powerful kicks with their muscular legs if they perceive any threats. These swift kicks can kill a full-grown lion, so humans would not survive.
6. Emu
Emus are not as feared as the cassowary, but these birds have just as powerful legs, and their inquisitive natures have led to a few attacks. However, most of these have only caused scratches and shallow wounds, not anything serious.
7. Great Horned Owl
While these owls are more of a threat to small animals, there are reports of these birds swooping down and attacking humans either jogging or just passing by. This behavior is assumed to be in defense of their nests and their young.
8. Great Northern Loon
A diver bird may seem like an unlikely candidate to be a dangerous bird, but the great northern loon certainly fits the bill. If disturbed during the breeding season, they will use their beaks as a sword to go for the eyes, scalp, and throat.
9. Lammergeier
Also known as the bearded vulture, the lammergeier is a terrifying sight. The main threat these birds pose is from the bones they drop from a great height so that they crack open and access the marrow inside. If the bones fell on one’s head, it could hypothetically cause severe injury and even death, but the chances of that happening are lower than getting struck by lightning.
10. Red-tailed Hawk
One of the deadliest hawks around, they are primarily a threat to small animals, their primary prey. They may attack humans if their nests are threatened only on rare occasions. Their talons are pretty sharp and can cause severe injuries.
11. Rhea
Both species of rheas are generally not very aggressive, but like all the flightless birds we have seen so far, they have powerful legs to compensate for their inability to fly. They can also bite hard with their beaks.
FAQs
1. Was the dodo a dangerous bird? While the dodo didn’t threaten humans, ultimately leading to its extinction, it had a curved beak to deliver a powerful bite with.
