Birds flying into windows is a common yet puzzling phenomenon that can be distressing for both the birds and the people who witness it. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind this behavior, delving into the many factors that lead birds to mistake reflective glass for open skies or shelter. Understanding why birds collide with windows is crucial, not only for learning how to stop birds from flying into windows, but also for promoting bird conservation efforts in our increasingly urbanized world.
Why Do Birds Fly Into Windows?
Birds often fly into windows because they are unable to distinguish between the reflection of the environment on the glass and the real world. To them, the reflected sky, trees or other surroundings appear like an extension of their natural habitat, leading them to fly directly into the window.
Generally, birds can’t see glass as a solid barrier. Unlike humans, birds do not perceive glass as a distinct obstacle because it’s transparent. They aren’t able to recognize it as a solid object, which is why they may attempt to fly through it, mistaking it for open space.
The reflective properties of glass create a significant problem for birds. When glass reflects the sky or nearby vegetation, birds see these reflections as real and attempt to fly into them. This reflection confusion is one of the leading causes of bird-window collisions, especially in areas with large glass surfaces.
The location and placement of windows also play a crucial role in bird collisions. Windows that face gardens, trees or other natural landscapes are more likely to confuse birds. Additionally, corner windows or those on opposite sides of a room can create the illusion of a clear flight path, further increasing the risk of collisions.
Birds flying into windows is particularly common during migration seasons. During these periods, birds travel long distances, often at high speeds and in unfamiliar environments. As they navigate through urban areas, the presence of large glass surfaces can become a deadly trap, especially when they are fatigued or disoriented.
How To Keep Birds From Flying Into Windows
Preventing birds from flying into windows requires a combination of thoughtful design, strategic placement and effective deterrents. By understanding the reasons behind bird-window collisions, you can implement practices that significantly reduce these incidents. Below are some of the best methods to ensure bird-safe windows, drawn from expert advice and top-ranking sources.
Window Treatments And Decals
Applying window treatments and decals is one of the most effective ways to prevent bird collisions. These options include using adhesive patterns, dots or stripes that break up the reflection on the glass, making it more visible to birds. To be effective, patterns should be spaced closely together, ideally no more than 2 inches apart. These simple additions can significantly reduce the chances of birds flying into your windows.
External Shades And Awnings
External shades and awnings offer another layer of protection by reducing the reflectiveness of glass and minimizing the illusion of open space. By creating a physical barrier, they help obscure the reflection of the sky or surrounding trees, making it less likely for birds to mistake your windows for an open flight path. These features can also provide added benefits like reducing glare and keeping interiors cooler.
Choosing Bird-Friendly Glass
Bird-friendly glass is specially designed to be more visible to birds. One of the best options is installing UV-reflective glass, such as Ornilux, which appears transparent to humans, but is highly visible to birds. This type of glass reflects ultraviolet light, effectively signaling a barrier in their potential flight path. Although installing bird-friendly glass can be more costly upfront, it’s a long-term solution that significantly reduces bird collisions.
Landscaping Strategies To Prevent Collisions
Strategic landscaping can also play a crucial role in preventing bird-window collisions. By carefully planning the placement of plants and other outdoor features, you can help guide birds away from potential hazards.
Planting shrubs, trees or vines close to windows can help break up reflections and reduce the likelihood of birds flying into windows and hitting them. However, it’s important to avoid placing tall plants directly in front of windows, as this could inadvertently increase the risk of collisions by creating strong reflections.
Designing garden spaces with bird safety in mind can also help. For example, creating dense, layered planting can provide birds with ample shelter and reduce the appeal of flying towards windows. Additionally, using native plants that birds are familiar with can help them navigate safely through your garden.
The placement of bird baths and feeders is crucial. They should be positioned either very close to windows (within three feet) or much farther away (at least 30 feet). When feeders and baths are too close to windows, birds are less likely to gain enough speed to injure themselves in a collision. Alternatively, placing them farther from windows reduces the chance of collisions altogether, as birds are less likely to fly directly toward the glass.
You can utilize liquid bird repellent as a regular part of your landscaping routine to stop birds from hitting your windows. Spraying the areas around your home and windows is a quick and effective way to stop birds from flying into them. The majority of liquid bird repellents are non-toxic and won’t harm the birds, but encourage them to stay away from the space.
What Should You Do If A Bird Hits Your Window
If a bird hits your window, it’s important to act quickly and carefully to help the bird recover. Here’s what you should do:
- Check the bird’s condition: Approach the bird quietly to assess its condition. If the bird is unconscious or stunned but breathing, it may just need time to recover. Avoid handling the bird too much, as this can cause additional stress.
- Move the bird to safety: If the bird is in immediate danger from predators or traffic, gently place it in a small box or container lined with soft material, like a towel or cloth. Make sure the container has air holes and keep it in a quiet, dark place.
- Give the bird time to recover: Leave the bird undisturbed for about 15-30 minutes. Many birds will recover on their own during this time. Afterward, take the box outside and open it. If the bird is ready, it will fly away. If it doesn’t fly away after an hour, it may need further help.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: If the bird shows signs of serious injury, like a broken wing, bleeding or disorientation, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian who is experienced with birds. They can provide the necessary care, or direct you on how to safely transport the bird to the nearest clinic, if necessary.
How Avian Control Can Help
Avian Control can help you keep birds and your windows safe. Our liquid bird repellent is EPA-registered and non-toxic to both humans and animals.
Avian Control lasts up to two weeks, is easy to apply, and has effective results. Call 888.868.1982 to order or contact us for more information.
How To Stop Birds From Flying Into Windows