While no color will specifically discourage birds from your yard, having too much white could keep a few birds away. "This probably stems from the stark contrast between white and the surrounding environment," explains Mulvihill.
Studies have also revealed that red is associated with aggression and dominance in fish, reptiles and birds.3,4 But whether fear of red is innate or learned is an "unresolved mystery", says Robert Barton, an anthropologist at the University of Durham, UK.
But aside from the bright hues, there are also shades that avians are less attracted to but are more practical. Earthy tones such as black, green, brown, and gray blend with the environment, which keeps birds safe.
While most bright colors are attractive to birds, one color, in particular, should be avoided as much as possible: white signals alarm, danger, and aggression to many birds.
Birds are attracted to the color red, according to a Chicago zoo authority. Birds protect their nests by flashing red and use the color to attract mates. Adding a touch of red to your feeder will attract more birds, though some seed-eating birds prefer blue or silver feeders.
White creates feelings of danger within birds so therefore they avoid it. On the other hand, bugs are attracted to colors like white and yellow. Blues and greens aren't as vivid to them and they tend to stay away from these colored objects.
On the visible spectrum, violet has the most energy. It also stands out in nature, so it's great for attracting a wide variety of birds. Since birds can see ultraviolet light, they may see purple more intensely than humans can, which could be why they like purple objects.
One color that the majority of birds avoid is white. A dull or bright white signals alarm and danger to birds, causing them to avoid those areas.
Birds and the Color Red
Considered a “power” color by humans, this bold shade is also popular with birds. In fact, birds use their red markings to warn predators away from nests and to attract mates. Red attracts hummingbirds, which is why many hummingbird feeders have red bases and/or ports.
Generally speaking, birds hate strong smells, shiny objects, and predators, both birds of prey or larger animals or humans within their vicinity.
Research has found that the colors birds eat most are bright colors. Hummingbirds, for instance, gravitate toward the color red—it may remind them of flowers they suck the nectar from. Fruits are also very popular with birds not only because they are soft and nutritious, but because they are bright and attractive.
Since birds can detect more colors than humans can, scenes may appear more varied. And colors that already are bright to human eyes are—if amplified by UV reflectance—probably even brighter to birds.
Bright colors can draw unwanted attention that will attract predators, while toxic paints can be poisonous to both adult birds and fledglings.
Many birds can eat oranges. They can be offered as orange-halves or sliced. Some additional specific birds that do eat oranges include Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Hooded Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Western Tanager, Brown Thrasher, Red-bellied Woodpecker.
White cockatoos don't like the colour white. Natural wood railings may get eaten. White painted ones do not. They don't like white goshawks either – or cut-outs that look like white goshawks, or eagle or little eagle shapes, but paint them white rather than their natural shade of tan.
If you're saddened by the news that your garden may be the very reason you don't wake up to a symphony of chirps, here are some colors you should try working into your yard: red, pink, orange, yellow, and blue. These colors will attract hummingbirds, orioles, goldfinches, warblers, bluebirds, and jays.
Dead flowers and perennials provide winter habitat and food for all sorts of birds, animals, and even insects while giving the winter garden interest. Lavender, shown above, provides winter seed for birds.
The answer is, there is no one color of bird feeder that will be most attractive to all birds. Some species have their own preferences, while others don't. However some research suggests that blue and green feeders are preferable over red or yellow.
Things to scare birds away
Predator statues such as lifelike scarecrows, owls, coyotes, snakes or cats that can be moved around every few days. Shiny objects such as old CDs, foil pans or silver reflective tape. Large colorful balls placed in the garden or from trees will look like eyes to birds. Flashing lights.
Are birds afraid of bright colors? While most bright colors are attractive to birds, one color, in particular, should be avoided as much as possible: white signals alarm, danger, and aggression to many birds.
Summer days seem to last longer when afternoons are spent on the porch, and a pale blue ceiling overhead helps extend the daylight into dusk. Blue ceilings are also said to deter birds and insects.
UV Reflective Paint is a visually intense way to deter birds away from an area. Made with a component that reflects the sun's ultraviolet rays, it can be used in one of free ways.
While no color will specifically discourage birds from your yard, having too much white could keep a few birds away. "This probably stems from the stark contrast between white and the surrounding environment," explains Mulvihill.
Location of Your Birdhouse
Some species of birds enjoy brighter colors, but most birds tend to look for homes that blend into their surroundings. That way, predators will be less likely to attack their nests.