The article was powered by Yahoo Scout, which uses AI to generate key points that may not always match what’s in the article. Most backyard bird feeders are not bird sanctuaries, but are considered more beneficial to the franchise than to the wild birds. The American Bird Conservancy warns that non-native species such as house sparrows and European starlings are invasive species that actively displace and outcompete the native birds most people hope to attract. A study found that feeder-dependent species surged in population, while woodland birds that avoid feeders crashed by as much as 87% over a 25-year period. Bird feeders have been linked to outbreaks of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis among house finches, an eye disease that blinds affected birds and makes them unable to detect predators or feed. They also create a predictable, concentrated food source for neighborhood predators. A bird feeder can also be a breeding ground for salmonella, a disease transmission issue where birds may defecate directly into the seed supply. Wildlife officials recommend removing feeders entirely if you live in the country.