In a world where things like politics and religion can trigger people to act in ways that can only be described as crazy, one would think a topic like birds would be a safe haven from the strife and arguments that come along with simply living in a diverse society. Well, you would be wrong. While at first glance, the world of birds seems simple and innocent enough, there are actually some species of birds that can cause quite the debate between people sitting on opposite sides of the fence. Whether it’s because of conservation status, a nonnative history, or something else altogether, here are five species of North American birds that are shockingly polarizing.

5. Double-crested Cormorant

The first bird on our list is a fish eating specialist, the Double-crested Cormorant. Double-crested Cormorants are widespread across the United States and extremely numerous in many parts of the country. This is part of what makes this species a somewhat complicated subject. Double-crested Cormorants are native to North America, yet many people view them as a pest. In particular, those who are part of the fishing industry. Cormorants are masters at catching and eating fish, this can be a major problem for people who rely on fishing and fisheries for their livelihood. As a result, there have been cormorant culls instituted to thin the population. The reasons levied have been ecological and having to do with wildlife management but many people aren’t buying it and believe the actual cause of the culls have more to do with money than environmental stability. Is there an actual environmental reason that cormorants should be killed? That’s very unclear and what makes this species polarizing. Obviously bird lovers would say that the cormorants have as much right to eat fish as the humans hoping to profit from them and that evidence that large cormorant populations hurt the ecosystem is thin at best. Either way, this species and this topic are worth keeping an eye on in the future and can certainly cause some spirited discussion.

4. European Starling

European Starlings are incredibly fascinating birds. Known for their large murmurations and impressive range of noises they make including imitating human speech, this species is quite beautiful to look at especially in the light and well appreciated in their native range. The big problem with starlings is that their original native range is nowhere near North America. These cavity nesting birds were brought to the new world by people thinking they would be a pleasant species to have in America. They quickly spread throughout the country and are now considered a pest by many due to their nonnative status and the way they have thrived in their new home. Large flocks of starlings can often be seen feeding in farm fields, lawns, and at bird feeders seeming to edge out some native species. When European Starlings are brought up, the population seems very split on them with half believing them to be an awful species and others being quite enchanted by them. While they are definitely a polarizing bird in North America, they are nothing compared to a another nonnative species later on this list.

3. Sandhill Crane

At first glance it wouldn’t seem like there would be much to debate about Sandhill Cranes. These large and majestic birds were once in big-time trouble as a species but had one of the most successful resurgences in modern conservation history. Sandhill Cranes are now common in many parts of North America and are a species of low conservation concern. Similar to why Double-crested Cormorants are on this list, the reason the Sandhill crane comes in at number three is the controversy around hunting them. Ever since Sandhill Crane populations became more stable hunters have been wanting a season for them. Some people cite the taste of the meat as the reason while others say it’s for population control and to make sure they don’t destroy crops. On the opposite end of the spectrum are those that ponder questions such as “why would it be a good idea to hunt a creature that was almost on the edge of extinction.” Another potential issue with hunting sandhill cranes is hunters accidentally shooting the endangered whooping crane. Whooping crane numbers are still incredibly low and each one is important to helping the species regain its footing. Several incidents of whooping cranes being shot have already been documented. Whenever the killing of any animal is happening regardless of the reasons behind it, there will be division, and the sandhill crane is certainly at the center of such a debate.

2. House Sparrow

The House sparrow is one of the most recognizable birds in the world. Living in almost every country on the planet and having a propensity for spending time around humans, these are a normal part of life for many people. As a result, they are beloved by backyard bird feeders simply due to the fact that they are so common around homes. Particularly in cities and neighborhoods, these gray and brown birds are almost guaranteed to be visiting feeders and in the process endearing themselves to those that enjoy watching them. The problem is that this species has a darker side. While they do look pretty cute, House Sparrows are incredibly violent when competing for nesting sites and have a well documented reputation of killing more timid birds like bluebirds. They are also one of the most invasive nonnative species, spreading out all across the country and battling with native birds, often contributing to the decline of the native species. What’s the truth about House Sparrows? Are they a devastating plague upon North America or a cute human companion? To a degree both things can be true, but this is what makes the House Sparrow such a contentious topic.

1. Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Is it really accurate to have a possibly extinct species topping the list at number one. If you have been at all familiarized with the Ivory-billed Woodpecker debate you would know that it absolutely is. Just a quick bit of background on the ivory-billed woodpecker. It is or depending on who you ask was an extremely large species of woodpecker native to the American southeast. It is now believed by many to be extinct, and that’s where the controversy comes in. There is a large passionate contingency within the bird and birding community that believes this species is still alive somewhere in the swamps of the south. Numerous expeditions have taken place to find it with evidence that is far from conclusive. This noticeable divide between the believers and non believers has led to the entire topic being banned from many birding groups due to the shocking outrage that it seems to spark. For more information on the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and why it can be such a crazy topic to discuss, check out the videos in the description below and be sure to read the comments to see the true magnitude of the controversy.

While its somewhat surprising to have so much controversy surrounding particular animals, these five bird species have certainly found themselves at the center of some contentious debates. Whether it’s because of how numerous they have become, or simply whether they still exist at all, humans will always find a way to take sides on issues in the natural world. Do you know of some other polarizing bird species, let us know in the comments below and as always thanks for watching, we’ll see you next time, on Badgerland Birding.