Although many species of birds will feed on blueberries, the principal species that cause losses are starlings, robins, and finches. Birds are difficult to manage because they are the most mobile of all wildlife. They move quickly from one area to the next. They have also learned to take advantage of new crops that replace natural food sources within their range. These crops become important supplements to their native food and, like blueberries because of their high protein and sugar content, often are preferred over their normal diets.
Birds feed on different food patches throughout the year.
They move from one to another, sometimes feeding on two or more patches as they ripen. They also explore potential food sources by periodically testing the crop. As it matures, the birds begin feeding, often before the fruit is fully ripe. Once birds begin feeding on, or become habituated to, a crop they are very difficult to manage. Control strategies must be started before the fruit begins to ripen and must continue through harvest.