The Birds in Southlake Give a New Meaning to “Angry Birds”

After multiple run-ins with a pair of angry birds, a neighborhood in Southlake is on high alert.

The birds, recently identified as Mississippi kites, seem to be harassing walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike. Witnesses have said in some cases the birds have been seen to draw blood.

Experts say the behavior may be a result of the birds attempting to defend their nests, and the birds will likely stop once the chicks have left the nests.

However, the Mississippi kites are a federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act passed by Congress.

Fort Worth Zoo Curator Brad Hazelton explains, “You can do things to discourage them from nesting in the area, but once they have a nest with eggs you can’t legally touch it.”

While the birds are likely to stop when their nests are empty, they often return to the same location for nesting, explains Hazelton.