Central Park is an exciting place to go birding, and not just because of the muggers. So many different birds stop in the park during migration that one never knows what species will pop up. Unfortunately, to spot the odd rarity, one must wade through countless common species, what some refer callously to as trash birds.

“Trash bird” is birding lingo for any species that is so ubiquitous in a location that it surpasses unremarkable and becomes truly irritating. Trash birds hog the feeders, crowd the trees, and consistently outcompete other species for habitat and resources. Their belligerent success spells failure for many other kinds of potentially more interesting birds. Although most birders are too polite to use this derogatory term in mixed company, few, if any, can claim to love all birds equally. If some species had to be sacrificed for the greater good, these are the ones that would be tossed on the trash heap.

The kingdom of unloved avians is ruled by the trash triumvirate: House Sparrow, European Starling, and Rock Pigeon. Invasives all, these three species probably account for 99% of all urban bird sightings. Each one is admirable for any number of reasons, not the least of which is a shared unholy adaptability. The pigeon is a beautiful flyer, the starling has exquisite, prismatic plumage, and the sparrow seems unfazed by even the most extreme temperatures. But imagine how diverse the bird populations would be in your city if these birds flew the coop.

The American Robin may or may not be a trash bird, depending on the time of year. In February, people pine for a glimpse of this herald of spring, but by April, the robin has already worn out its welcome.

Among waterfowl, the Canada Goose is the least loved, especially by golfers. Although Mute Swan are just as threatening to other birds in their environment, they are just too beautiful to be reviled. As far as ducks go, even common species like Mallard enjoy lots of support.

Large black birds like crows and grackles are often referred to as trash birds. In some parts of the U.S., flocks of grackles can grow so large and indifferent to humans that they dominate public parks.

The oddest trash bird designee is most certainly the Blue Jay. Despite its alluring azure plumage, this bird is disliked for its raucous call and bullying ways. Different jay species across the country are equally unloved, but, unsurprisingly, none of them seem to care.

The title of trash bird is bestowed because a species is exceedingly common in a certain locale, at least for part of the year. It stands to reason that birds common in one part of the country are rare or even unseen in other places. The lesson here is not to grow to contemptuous of any birds in your area, even the ones you see every single day. As they say, one birder’s trash is another one’s treasure.