How to Get Rid of Black Birds Without Getting Rid of Other Birds

Blackbirds and starlings are large and raucous, and tend to push out smaller birds with their sheer numbers and habit of eating all the food. To get rid of blackbirds in your garden, follow a few simple and humane guidelines.

Instructions for Getting Rid of Blackbirds

1. Install sets of bird spikes on any flat surface the birds are using for roosting or nesting. Although these spikes are unsightly, they will effectively keep birds from landing or building nests there. Make sure your spikes are designed for large birds like blackbirds; smaller birds will still be able to land and rest between the spikes.

2. Protect your bird feeders from blackbirds. Use chicken wire or screen to build "fences" around your bird feeders. Cut small holes in the fence so that only small birds can get through to the food.

3. Switch some of your bird feeders to Hopper feeders, which automatically close up when a heavier blackbird lands on the perch.

4. Stop throwing birdseed on the ground. If you've modified your feeders so that blackbirds can't get in, and there's no birdseed on the ground for them, they'll move away.

5. Cut the perches on your open bird feeders shorter, using a small handsaw. Smaller birds will still be able to use them, but blackbirds will be too big.

6. Buy feeders that make birds eat upside down. Blackbirds can't eat that way.