Paul Thompson is an aviation & travel journalist, photographer, & airplane geek with over 25 years of experience at a large domestic US carrier. He is based in Denver, Colorado.
Passengers and workers at 
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) found themselves fleeing a feathered air traveler that made its way inside Terminal 5 on Tuesday. The species has not been confirmed, but onlookers described the interloper as a green exotic bird, resembling a parrot. Airport worker Paris Elbert filmed videos of the bird and posted them on social media.
Elbert told CBS News Chicago the bird flew in from outside and fluttered around for hours, evading capture. People tried to capture it, but the bird kept nipping at people, fighting to remain free. The bird was eventually captured in the shirt of another worker, who then took it to a veterinarian to be checked out. It is hoped that the bird's owners will be found.
"The Bird Chose Fight, Not Flight."
Many birds that make their way into airport buildings usually cause no direct harm and are seen as cute or charming. They can make their way inside through automatic doors at the terminal, jetbridge doors, or any entry and exit point. This particular bird was seen riding on a passenger's backpack before it began aggressively nipping at his neck and ears.
Birds inside the airport can be more than just a cute little nuisance. Common birds harbor parasites and over 60 types of diseases. Their droppings can damage merchandise, while their presence can alarm travelers and raise concerns from health inspectors. ORD worker Paris Elbert told CBS News Chicago about the green bird's intrusion.
"It was funny but it was crazy. Sad too. You know, everybody's just like oh, the bird is so cute and every time somebody got close, the bird just started attacking, going berserk. A lot of people wanted to get the bird, but every time they tried to either grab the bird or be nice to the bird, the bird chose fight, not flight."
Birds Also Cause Problems Outside Airport Terminals
The most popularly known incident involving birds and aircraft is US Airways flight 1549. The Airbus A320 struck a flock of Canada geese and ingested at least four of the birds into its engines, causing a loss of thrust. Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger took command of the jet from First Officer Jeffrey Skiles and landed the disabled jet on the Hudson River in what's now known as "The Miracle on the Hudson." All passengers and crew aboard survived.
Although bird strike impacts aren't always severe enough to make the news, they're a daily occurrence. 
Denver International Airport (DEN) experiences the most bird strikes in the US. In 2025, planes collided with 863 birds and other wildlife at DEN, which sits on 53 square miles (137.8 square kilometers) and borders a wildlife refuge. A United 737 ingested a white-tailed jackrabbit into one of its engines, causing $344,500 in damage to the aircraft, with the engine's fan blades and oil cooler needing replacement.
In total, aircraft sustained over $1 million in damages from impacts with birds and wildlife at DEN last year. DEN operates a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) with approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Rabbits and prairie dogs at DEN attract predators including hawks, owls, and coyotes that can cause significant impact damage to an aircraft.
Bird Strikes Can Cause Expensive Delays
In addition to damaging and disabling aircraft engines, bird strikes can damage critical aircraft parts in several other ways. An impact to the cockpit windscreen can shatter the glass, limiting visibility, with broken glass causing cuts to the pilots. A hit to the radome can damage sensitive radar equipment housed there.
Most bird strikes occur just 1,500 to 2,000 feet above ground. Birds can become wedged between the wing flaps, which are extended as the flight departs or makes its final approach. Other critical flight control surfaces such as the ailerons, elevator, and rudder can also be damaged and jammed, impacting flight safety.
At the very least, a bird strike can delay the next flight, even if it landed safely. The plane has to be inspected and cleaned before it departs, regardless of whether damage occurred. Damage to critical parts can take the plane out of service for several hours or even days while replacement parts are sourced and installed. If you've ever experienced a bird strike, please tell us about it in the comments below.