how to keep crows away from bird feeder

2 min read 04-02-2025

Crows are intelligent and resourceful birds, often drawn to bird feeders stocked with seeds and suet. While they can be fascinating to observe, their size and appetite can quickly deplete your feeder's supply and intimidate smaller birds. Keeping crows away requires a multi-pronged approach that combines deterrents and feeder modifications. This guide will outline effective strategies to reclaim your bird feeder for the smaller avian visitors.

Understanding Crow Behavior

Before implementing any crow deterrent, it's crucial to understand their behavior. Crows are highly social and intelligent. They learn quickly, and what works initially might stop working over time. They're also opportunistic, meaning they'll take advantage of any easy food source. Knowing this informs the methods you'll use.

Effective Methods to Deter Crows

1. Choose the Right Feeder

Weight-activated feeders: These feeders close when a heavier bird, like a crow, lands on them. This prevents them from accessing the food while allowing lighter birds to feed.
Tube feeders with small perches: Crows prefer larger perches. Smaller perches can make it difficult for them to feed comfortably.
Suet feeders with cages: Cages around suet protect it from larger birds, including crows.

2. Strategic Feeder Placement

Height: Raising your feeder high on a pole, out of easy reach of crows, can help. Consider a height of 8-10 feet or more.
Location: Position feeders away from trees and other perches that crows might use to access them easily. Open areas are generally better.
Proximity to cover: Placing your feeder in a location that provides little to no cover for crows will discourage them.

3. Visual Deterrents

Shiny objects: Hanging reflective objects, such as old CDs, Mylar tape, or aluminum pie plates, near the feeder can startle crows and make them uncomfortable. The movement and flash of light can be off-putting.
Predator decoys: Placing owl or hawk decoys near the feeder can create a visual threat, deterring crows from approaching. Remember to rotate the decoys regularly to avoid the crows getting used to them.

4. Auditory Deterrents

Ultrasonic devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are irritating to crows but generally inaudible to humans and other birds. Their effectiveness varies, however.
Motion-activated sprinklers: These sprinklers scare crows away with a sudden burst of water when they approach the feeder. This is especially effective, but requires consistent water access.

5. Taste Deterrents

Spicy food: Crows dislike strong flavors. Adding a small amount of hot pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your birdseed may deter them. However, be mindful that this might also affect some smaller birds. Use sparingly.

6. Removing Food Sources

Cleanliness is key: Regularly clean up spilled seed and droppings beneath the feeder to reduce the attractiveness of the area to crows.
Remove the source: If you have a problem with crows accessing other food sources in your yard, like fruit trees or garbage, addressing those issues will help reduce the overall attraction.

What Not to Do

Don't feed the crows directly: This will only encourage them to return.
Don't use harmful deterrents: Avoid using poisons or traps, as these are inhumane and potentially illegal.

Combining Methods for Best Results

The most effective approach is often a combination of several methods. Start by trying one or two and observe the results. If crows continue to visit, add another deterrent. Remember, crows are intelligent, so you may need to adjust your strategy over time.

By understanding crow behavior and employing these strategies, you can create a bird-friendly environment that welcomes smaller birds while minimizing crow visits to your feeder. Remember, patience and persistence are key!