Robins won't be scared off by 'bully' magpies and pigeons if you add 1 item to garden

UK gardens can attract robins, blue tits and finches; however, these common birds can often be scared away by a noisy gang of larger breeds. Known as "bully birds", these clever and greedy species can dominate feeders, chase off smaller birds, and sometimes even raid nests.

From magpies and pigeons to crows, these aggressive breeds may start to congregate in your garden in autumn and winter as they seek food. If you're beginning to notice a flock of bigger birds overtaking your feeders, experts at Chirp for Birds have recommended a simple method to keep them at bay so that others can eat in peace.

"Nobody likes a bully. They're aggressive, they take what they want without regard for others, and they don't fight fair," say the experts. "The bully birds at your feeders are no different: they hog the feeder, preventing other, smaller birds from feeding, and even start fights in the process."

The experts suggest switching your feeder to one that is either caged or has a weight-activated perch.

A caged feeder is one enclosed in a metal cage. The gaps are wide enough for small birds (like blue tits or finches) to reach the food, but too narrow for larger birds such as pigeons, magpies, or jackdaws.

Meanwhile, a weight-activated perch - sometimes called a spring-loaded feeder or weight-sensitive feeder - uses a perch that closes access to the food when a heavy bird (or a squirrel) lands on it.

"When larger bully birds can't get to the food in your feeders, they'll give up and look for food elsewhere. The upside is that these types of feeders also work to keep the squirrels out! Win-win!"

If you don't want to banish the birds from your garden entirely, another option is to offer multiple feeder options in your garden.

Place a sturdy tray or ground feeder in an open area for larger birds, such as pigeons, magpies, or crows. They prefer feeding on flat, open surfaces and will usually stick to the easier pickings if you provide them with their own spot. This helps keep them away from your hanging feeders.

"Keep bird aggression at bay while feeding a variety of local birds in your yard - including the "bullies" - by putting out more than one feeder," say the experts.

"Your best bet is to have a "bully-free" feeder that they can't access or don't like the food being "served," and another feeder (a platform or tray feeder) across your yard for the larger bully birds. Be sure to mount the feeders far enough away that there won't be any fighting."

Bully birds in UK gardens

• Magpie

• European Starling

• House Sparrow

• Carrion Crow

• Jackdaw

• Woodpigeon

• Feral (Rock) Pigeon

• Jay

• Rook