Sour Grapes: Methyl Anthranilate as Feeding Repellent for Birds

Abstract

This compound smells like commercial grape juice. A series of studies confirmed that MA (and related compounds fsuch as dimethyl anthranilate), when applied to seeds or grass, inhibits birds from feeding. Methyl anthranilate repels a variety of birds, such as red-winged blackbirds, starlings, pigeons, jungle fowl, herring gulls, ring-necked pheasants, and Canada geese (Avery and Decker 1994; Avery et al. 1995; Cummings et al. 1995 ; Glahn et al. 1989; Marples and Roper 1997; Mason et al. 1989). This repellent may play an important role in protecting feed grain on farms from bird predation. It is available under the trade names ReJeX-iT, Bird Shield, and Avigon. In this context, it is important to know that MA does not deter mammals. For a review of bird repellen see Spurr (2007).