The Shiro Corporation Did you know that birds are generally known as harmless creatures? However, there are some aggressive birds.
In fact, small-sized birds can also become dangerous birds and will attack if there is a threat.
Birds are one of the creatures that often leave people amazed.
The beauty of its colorful feathers and the magic of its melodious voice tempt many people.
Birds can become tame pets or attack ferociously.
Of the thousands of bird species in the world, there are six that occupy the top positions as the most dangerous birds in the world.
In 1963, Alfred Hitchcock released the legendary "The Birds" thriller film, which imagines what would happen if a flock of birds suddenly turned to attack humans.
This story is not entirely fiction.
Inspirasi film ini datang dari peristiwa nyata tahun 1961 di Capitola, California, Amerika Serikat, ketika kawanan burung shearwater menabrak atap rumah dan mati berserakan di jalan akibat keracunan diatom pada ikan teri yang mereka makan.
Even though it sounds like a movie plot, an attack by birds on humans is not something entirely made up.
Some bird species can be very aggressive when they feel threatened or when protecting their young.
Here are six of the most dangerous birds in the world that should be watched out for.
1. Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius)
Kangaroos are large flightless birds that live in Australia and Papua.
They have three toes, and the deepest one has nails resembling sharp daggers.
If it feels threatened, this bird can attack at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Even though attacks on humans are rare, reported attacks often involve feeding by humans.
One famous incident occurred in 1926, when a teenager died after his neck was slashed by the claw of a cassowary.
Kangaroos are known to be very territorial and can attack without warning.
"Cassowaries can kill humans with a single swipe of their sharp claws," according to various studies on the bird found in Indonesia.
2. Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
As the largest bird in the world, an adult male ostrich can reach a height of 2.75 meters and weigh more than 150 kilograms.
Even though they usually avoid confrontation, they can run up to 72 km/h and attack with a deadly kick if cornered.
An interesting story comes from legendary musician Johnny Cash, who was nearly killed by an emu's kick at his ranch in 1981.
The kick hit the metal belt protecting him from fatal injury.
"If it weren't for my belt buckle, my stomach would definitely have been torn open," Cash recounted the incident.
3. Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Emu birds have specially adapted feet that allow them to spin as quickly as cats.
Similar to cassowaries, emus cannot fly and can run fast, reaching up to 50 km/h.
Her strong legs and three-clawed feet are capable of injuring an enemy if cornered.
Even though they rarely cause death, emu attacks are still dangerous.
In 2009 alone, more than 100 incidents of emu attacks on humans were recorded in Australia and international zoos.
4. Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
This vulture with whiskers has a wingspan of up to 3 meters and is known for its habit of dropping bones or even turtles from a height of 80 meters to get to the marrow inside.
Although attacks on humans are anecdotal, legend has it that the Greek dramatist Aeschylus died when his head was crushed by a tortoise dropped by a lammergeier that mistook his bald head for a rock.
5. Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)
Found throughout America, this large owl can grow to over 60 cm in length, with a gripping strength of up to 500 psi, equivalent to the bite of a large guard dog.
They are known to attack faces and heads if they feel threatened.
Incidents were reported from Seattle (2012) and Oregon (2015), where runners and hikers were attacked by these owls, which swooped down from trees.
6. Barred owl (Strix varia)
This owl is indeed smaller than the large horned owl, but its attacks on climbers and runners have also been reported in various regions of North America.
One of the most unique cases occurred in the legal world.
In 2003, a man was accused of murdering his wife.
However, a reinvestigation shows that it is likely the victim was attacked by a barred owl, which grabbed his face and head, before he fell down the stairs and died. This case has inspired a defense theory known as "The Owl Theory."
So, wildlife harbors surprises. In fact, birds that appear ordinary or exotic can become a serious threat under certain conditions.
Even though cases of bird attacks on humans are very rare, it is important for us to respect nature's boundaries and not provoke aggressive behavior from these animals.
Remember, in the world of birds, defending territory and offspring is a matter of life and death, and they are ready to fight with all their efforts.
Artikel ini telah tayang di Kompas.com dengan judul 6 Most Dangerous Birds in the World, the First One is in Indonesia
Comments
Post a Comment