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Apricot

Birds That Damage Fruit

On this page
  • House finch
  • White-crowned sparrow
  • Yellow-billed magpie
  • Starling
  • Crow

Use the photos below to identify birds in your orchard and determine the best control methods. While some of the birds pictured below feed on flower buds, all of them feed on ripening fruit.

Click on photos to enlarge
White-crowned sparrow
House finch, adult male
Identification tip: This small bird is brown with a bright red breast and forehead. Small-to-large flocks feed on dormant flower buds and ripening fruit.
House finch
White-crowned sparrow
Identification tip: Three white and four black stripes mark the head of the white-crowned sparrow. Small or large flocks feed on dormant flower buds and ripening fruit.

Yellow-billed magpie
Yellow-billed magpie
Identification tip: This large noisy bird has distinct black and white markings on its body and a very long tail. Small groups feed on ripening fruit.

Starling adult
Starling adult
Identification tip: The adult starling is black with white flecks on the body and head, and brown flecks on wings. Large flocks feed on ripening fruit.
Crow adult
Crow adult
Identification tip: This bird is large, chunky, and black, with a heavy bill and feet.
 

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California

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