Has a bird ever collided with a window in your home?

Millions of birds die after hitting windows in the U.S. each year.

Birds can collide with windows during the day or at night. In daylight, birds hit windows because they can’t distinguish the reflection of trees and open sky from the real thing. At night, migrating songbirds are attracted to light and fly into lighted windows or collide with them in the morning as they are refueling to continue their journey. 

Imprint of a Mourning Dove from a window collision (Copyright CG6 Images)

The good news is there are several effective solutions to prevent future collisions! 

Identify problem windows:  

  • Windows that have already caused collisions. 

  • Large windows and glass doors, especially those that reflect trees or the sky. 

  • Paired windows at right angles to each other 

  • Windows across from bird feeders, birdbaths, and fruit-bearing plants.  

 

Solutions: 

Here are some quick and affordable ways to protect birds from your windows. These products are easy to install, but if you think you need help we recommend calling your local handyman, house painter, or window washer – every product below will be a quick job for them. (For ways to prevent collisions at night, see the Lights Out tab.)  

Tempera paint

Easy, inexpensive, and can be applied freehand or with stencils. 

Decals 

Most effective when placed in an approximate 2-inch by 2-inch pattern. Hawk silhouettes alone will not deter birds.

Acopian Bird Savers

Thin cords hung in front of a window. The window on the left has cords and none on the right.  https://www.birdsavers.com 

Feather Friendly

Durable white or gray adhesive squares installed in strips. Offered as a DIY kit or a film for professional installation. https://www.featherfriendly.com 

Bird Netting

Stretch durable lightweight 3/4” mesh netting over the window at least 3” from the glass. Bird-X Protective Netting for Fruit as shown above. 

https://www.dalenproducts.com/products/netting-fencing-bird-x?variant=37614148518065 

Venetian Blinds

Only recommended for windows that can’t be reached from the outside. Under some light conditions partially opened blinds can be seen as a barrier.

Bird Crash Preventers

Vertical monofilament is installed by screwing mounts in the outside of the building. Might require professional installation. https://birdcrashpreventers.com 

Solyx Bird Safe Window Film

Solyx offers six bird-friendly full-window films that might require professional installation.  https://www.decorativefilm.com/specialty-bird-safety 

For more information, visit these websites:  

American Bird Conservancy 

https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/ 

https://abcbirds.org/blog/truth-about-birds-and-glass-collisions/ 

 

National Audubon Society 

https://www.audubon.org/news/reducing-collisions-glass 

 

When designing or retrofitting buildings visit: 

https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/architecture-planning/ 

SunSetter Motorized Solar Shade

Effective at preventing collisions and saves on energy costs. Require professional installation.  https://www.sunsetter.com/c/easyscreens/