Birds eat the kernels off the cob causing direct yield loss, and kernel damage may result in mold growth. Feeding usually starts on exposed ear tips but with continued feeding the birds may shred the husks and damage several inches of the ear. Bird damage is more serious on corn close to large roosting areas. Red-winged blackbirds cause the most destruction, but grackles and starlings may also cause damage. Bird-scaring devices such as bangers may be successful deterrents.
Damage can take the form of abnormal color, twisted or thickened roots and shoots, ordeath.
To avoid problems, follow the label recommendations. Water stress just prior to, at, or just following pollen shed is most detrimental to grain yield. In extreme cases it can almost completely destroy the plant. If shredded leaves remain green, yield reductions will not be large. The result is reduced yield, low test weight and a tendency to higher than normal lodging.