This isn't a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 horror-thriller The Birds, but something that can very much happen in real life: physical attacks by crows. Beyond their ominous appearance, these birds are exceptionally intelligent, fiercely territorial, and highly protective of their young.
Israel is home to eight species in the crow family (Corvidae): the Eurasian jay, jackdaw, brown-necked raven, common raven, fan-tailed raven, rook, and two species known to harm native wildlife or humans — the hooded crow and the Indian house crow. The hooded crow, the most common in Israel, appeared in 61.7% of sightings during the 2025 national bird count and is considered an “invasive” species. The Indian house crow, classified as a non-native invasive species, is mainly found in Eilat.
While crows contribute to ecological balance in urban areas, the hooded and Indian crows are notorious for damaging crops like stone fruits, watermelon, melon, peanuts, pecans, almonds, sunflowers, corn, and wheat. The brown-necked raven is found in the Negev, and the Indian crow only in Eilat. The rest are dispersed across central and northern Israel.
Aggression on the rise
In recent years, there’s been a notable increase in reports of aggressive crow behavior in Israel, especially during the nesting season in spring and early summer. That’s when fledglings — young birds that have left the nest but still rely on their parents for food — are most vulnerable. During this period, crows can become highly aggressive, even attacking people or animals that approach their young or nests.
Crows may dive at pedestrians or animals near their nesting sites. In rare cases, they may bite or strike with their talons and wings. Anecdotal evidence suggests they remember people or animals they perceive as threats and may attack them again in the future.
Still, not every encounter ends in aggression. “Crows are intelligent and generally avoid confrontation,” says Dr. Amos Belmaker, curator of birds at the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History. “But when fledglings are on the ground and still unable to fly properly, they’re extremely vulnerable — and the parent crows will attack anyone who gets too close.”
According to Belmaker, “Crows typically won’t attack humans unless they feel their young are in danger. They know we’re bigger and stronger, but their devotion to their fledglings can override that. And yes, crows have excellent memories. If someone previously acted in a way that the bird interpreted as threatening, like approaching a nest or touching a chick, they may be targeted again later.”
Mistaken identity and group memory
Sometimes crows misidentify threats. Their visual memory, while strong, can be misleading. A bald man or someone with a long beard might resemble a perceived past threat. What’s more, crows can transmit this information within their flock, meaning others might join in targeting an individual who has never actually harmed them.
Dr. Amos BelmakerPhoto: Yael Tzur“The aggression is usually meant to deter, not injure,” says Belmaker. “Serious harm is rare. And while crows are also known to be attracted to shiny objects, I’m not aware of any cases where that alone caused aggression.”
He also warns against intervening with fledglings: “They may appear helpless in an urban setting, but if they’re not injured or immobile, leave them be. Their parents are likely nearby and still caring for them.”
Human encounters — from alarming to traumatic
As cities grow and crow populations increase, so do encounters. In 2006, a Ramat Hasharon resident was attacked for a week after picking up a chick that fell into his yard. He had to leave the house with a helmet and umbrella, likening his experience to The Birds.
In Jerusalem's Nahlaot neighborhood, women waiting under a tree were attacked on Independence Day. One reported hearing loud cawing and feeling what seemed like a stone hit her head, only to realize it was a crow. Others in the area confirmed similar experiences, including aggressive swooping and chasing.
Last May, in the upscale Jerusalem neighborhood of Mishkenot Ha’uma, residents said they were afraid to leave their homes. “People are wearing hats or carrying umbrellas,” said resident Chaya Schijveschuurder. “They’ve gone after elderly people, pulled hair — luckily,y no children were hurt.”
In Tiberias, 8-year-old Idan Ben-David nearly lost his life after being attacked by crows and running into the street, where he was hit by a car. He suffered serious internal injuries and was rushed to Poriya Medical Center, where doctors saved his life. His father, Mordi, recalled the event: “At first it sounded unbelievable, but after he woke up and described it, we realized a group of crows had attacked him. One bit him on the neck, and he panicked. While trying to flee, he ran into the road.”
In Ashdod, hooded crows attacked multiple residents after a chick fell from a tree. “They went for people’s heads,” said photographer Gadi Kablo. “It caused panic and real injuries.” City officials intervened and collected the chick, but not before a wave of attacks left residents shaken and covering their heads each time they left the building.
The Eilat problem: an aggressive invasive species
In Eilat, attacks have escalated due to the Indian house crow, which arrived in 1976 and now numbers in the hundreds. Known for its especially aggressive behavior, — worse than that of the hooded cro,— it poses a challenge during nesting season from April to June.
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Indian house crows eat food left behind by humans. An invasive species living in Eilat
(Photo: Lalith Ravi, Shutterstock)
In the past, population control was done via regulated shooting, but this was halted following resident complaints. Authorities now use alternative methods: removing nests, setting traps, and coating eggs with cooking oil. The oil seals the eggshell, preventing gas exchange and halting embryo development — yet the birds, unaware, continue to incubate them and don’t lay new eggs.
What can be done?
Dealing with crocodile aggression in Israel requires caution and awareness, especially since these are protected wild animals. “This is a global phenomenon,” says Dotan Rotem, an open-space ecologist at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. “But in Israel, it’s more common due to the high crow population, largely because of poor waste management.”
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Crows are opportunistic and thrive on human leftovers, especially around garbage dumps. Despite their nuisance, they are protected under the 1955 Wildlife Protection Law, which prohibits harming wild animals unless specifically designated as pests. Both the hooded and Indian crows are classified as such, yet they’re still protected in national parks and nature reserves under a 2005 conservation order.
To stay safe, Rotem advises: “If you see a nest or fledgling, don’t approach. In spring and summer — especially March through June — be alert. Identify potential nesting sites like tall trees, antennas, or utility poles, and give them space. If you see a chick on the ground, don’t touch it. The parents are usually close by. Your presence might be seen as a threat.”
In extreme cases or if a chick appears injured, contact the Nature and Parks Authority. They're responsible for handling protected wildlife.
Finally, watch for unusual crow behavior. “If a crow follows you or vocalizes unusually, it may be warning you to leave,” Rotem adds. “Respect their space — and remember, they’re smarter than we often give them credit for.”