REPELLENCY OF FUNGICIDAL RICE SEED TREATMENTS TO RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS

We evaluated the feeding responses of male red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to rice seed treated with fungicidal compounds in a series of 2-cup, 1-cup, and flight pen trials. Of the materials tested, Kocide(R) SD, a fungicide containing 30% copper hydroxide, was the most effective. Although this chemical caused mortality (due to hemolytic anemia) when applied at relatively high concentrations in the 1-cup test, birds consistently avoided it without ill effects in 2-cup and flight pen trials. Applied at the currently registered label rate, Kocide may safely and effectively repel birds feeding on newly planted rice. Currently registered fungicides and other pesticides may offer new alternatives for bird damage control.