Birds (Bowerbirds, Cockatoos, Pigeons)
Ptilonorhynchus violaceus; Cacatua galerita; various
Native birds that raid fruit, peck seedlings and strip seed heads. Most are protected species.
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Identify from a photoBackground
Several native birds are significant vegetable and fruit garden visitors in Australia. Satin bowerbirds strip soft blue and purple fruit and some soft greens. Sulphur-crested cockatoos can devastate corn cobs, sunflower heads, and nipping seedling rows for fun. Pigeons and doves peck emerging seed and pull seedlings. All native species are protected. Exclusion is the main tool.
How to identify
- Damage: pecked fruit with V-shaped bill marks, seedlings pulled up with intact root, stripped seed heads, chewed ripe tomatoes
- Feathers and droppings near the damage
- Direct observation during dawn and dusk
Life cycle
Not applicable (vertebrate). Most visitors are resident year-round.
Weather triggers
- Temperature: -5-45°C
- Year-round. Drought drives hungry birds into gardens harder.
Peak season (southern hemisphere)
Red = active season · Dark red outlined = this month
Affected vegetables & crops
Click any crop to see current prices and growing info.
Climate zones at risk
Organic & low-impact control
- Bird netting over fruiting crops. Use wildlife-safe netting with mesh smaller than 5mm to avoid entangling flying-foxes and small birds
- Reflective tape or old CDs on fishing line over beds
- Scare-eye balloons (rotate location every few days so birds do not habituate)
- Rigid cloches over seedlings
Chemical control
- Not applicable. Harming native birds is illegal.
Always read product labels. Registrations change.
Prevention
- Net fruit before colour break
- Cover seed rows with fine wire mesh until seedlings are 10cm tall
- Provide a bird bath and separate berries/food source away from the vegetable patch to reduce pressure
Companion planting
No specific effect. Dense hedges can provide cover but also attract birds.
Biosecurity
Native birds are protected. Use wildlife-safe netting only.
Sources
- Queensland Department of Environment, Living with wildlife
- Wildlife Queensland, Wildlife-safe netting guidance
- NSW DPI, Bird damage in horticulture
Accuracy confidence: high. We update this library as new extension guidance is published.
Know when Birds (Bowerbirds, Cockatoos, Pigeons) is actually about
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