Why Birds Fly Into Windows (and How You Can Prevent It)

blue tit Caroline Smith

Caroline Smith

Every year, billions of birds die after flying into glass windows. This happens at homes, offices, shops, and greenhouses.

Modern buildings use more glass than older buildings. Glass reflects the sky, trees, and gardens, so birds often think they are flying into open space. Bright lights at night can confuse migrating birds, making collisions more likely.

The good news is that a few simple changes can save many birds.

You can also make your garden more bird-friendly by planting hedges, shrubs, and trees. Natural habitats encourage birds to stay in safer areas instead of busy urban environments.

Turn Off Unnecessary Lights

Reducing lighting alone won’t stop all bird strikes, but it does help.

  • Turn off indoor and outdoor lights when not needed.
  • Close curtains or blinds at night.
  • Use desk lamps instead of lighting whole rooms.

Keep Indoor Plants Away From Windows

Birds may see indoor plants through a window and think they are outside. They then fly straight into the glass.

For houseplants, place them away from windows where birds can see them.

When choosing plants for your home or garden, check that they are safe for pets. Some plants, including lilies and sago palms, can be harmful to animals.

Place Bird Feeders Carefully

Where you put a bird feeder makes a big difference.

  • Birds Canada recommends placing feeders within 1 m/3 ft of a window, so birds cannot build up enough momentum to fly into windows.
  • Environment Canada notes that the evidence for ‘farther than 10m/30ft’ is not as firm as people often claim. Cornell also says the old feeder-distance rule should not replace making the glass bird-friendly.
  • Avoid landscaping walkways that could funnel birds towards glass.
  • Place feeders at least 5/6 feet above ground (away from cats) and sheltered from strong wind/sun, with a 360-degree view to spot predators.

Make Windows Easier for Birds to See

Feather Friendly bird visual markers

Window decals often do not work unless they cover most of the glass.

A much better option is Feather Friendly visual markers (sold in the UK at Etsy).. These small markers are applied to the outside of the window. They let in plenty of light, but help birds recognise that the glass is a solid surface.

They are simple to install and can prevent countless bird collisions.

Choose Bird-Friendly Glass

Bird-friendly glass can be one part of bird-safe design, particularly for new construction. BirdDivert is a UV-based bird collision deterrent treatment applied to glass. It’s like an UV-based alternative to Feather Friendly visual markers (so birds can see it, but it does not affect light for humans).

Similarly, films, markers, screens, and other treatments are collision prevention solutions, not all ‘glass’. For information on ‘bird-friendly glass’ visit Pilkington and Guardian Glass.

Support a FLAP Programme

Many cities have FLAP (fatal light awareness programs groups that work to reduce bird deaths, especially during migration seasons.

These programmes encourage buildings to reduce unnecessary night lighting and promote safer window treatments.

You can also help by:

  • Reporting bird collisions in your area.
  • Looking for feather marks on windows, which show where birds have struck the glass.
  • Joining or starting a local volunteer group.
  • Sharing information with neighbours, schools, and businesses.

What to Do If a Bird Hits a Window

If you find a stunned bird:

  1. Gently place it in a ventilated cardboard box or a clean paper bag with air holes. Line it with a soft cloth (no tassels). If you have no box, a clean paper bag with ventilation holes will do.
  2. Keep the container somewhere dark, quiet, and warm.
  3. Do not give the bird food or water.
  4. As stunned birds may still have internal injuries if they fly away, a safer recommendation is to place the bird in a dark ventilated container and contact a licensed wildlife rehabiliator or local wildlife rescue as soon as possible. Find more info at FLAP.

Books to Learn More

  • Solid Air explains practical ways to prevent bird-window collisions. It draws on more than 40 years of research and is especially useful for architects, builders, and councils.
  • The Bird-Friendly City shares proven ideas for making towns and cities safer for birds, including real-life examples of successful projects.

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