How many fledglings are killed by dogs ? (1 Viewer)

It is often said that birds are relying on gardens for feeding, breeding and shelter more often than in the past. It is well documented how often cats kill birds. I was wondering how often dogs kill tiny fledglings just out of the nest ? I ask because sadly a tiny fledgling was killed in our back garden by our family pet ( a dog ) this afternoon. I think it was a Dunnock. Tried to save the bird but it was hopeless as it was so tiny. Do many dog attacks on fledglings go unreported ? Is there a higher incidence of dog related bird deaths than previously thought ? Or was my discovery today a thankfully rare scenario ? Does anyone know ?

Interesting question. I am happy to say, that I have not run into this. Not that it doesn't happen on occasion, I am sure. I am surrounded by fledglings and my pooch will go investigate and sniff but that's about it. Usually it is him that lets me know there is a fledgling close by but thankfully, he shows no interest in the babes. Now pigeons are another story. He loves to run after them but more for the chase.

It's usually cats that kill birds not so sure about dogs buit then again I could be wrong

My family dog with I was a boy (she was a samoyed) used to occasionally catch and "play with" baby birds. I recall a Mockingbird and a Scrub jay. The birds did not survive, of course, and we used to scold her for this. Of course by the time we intervened in these tragedies, she had no idea, really, why we were so upset.

Otherwise, I have been a dog owner just about constantly my whole life and I can't think of a single incident in which one of my dogs actually caught a baby bird. They will chase them to see them fly, but they just don't have the hunting acumen and skills that a housecat naturally posseses.

So my point is that it's certain that dogs will catch and kill fledglings on occasion, but I cannot believe this is a particularly common occurrence or a major "issue." Moreover, keep in mind that dogs are restricted to their owners' property, unlike cats, which are allowed to roam freely throughout a neighborhood.