6 Smart Ways to Stop Birds From Flying Into Your Windows
Protect your birds from fatal collisions with these simple tips.
If you’ve ever heard the sickening thud of a birdhitting your window, you know how heartbreaking it is. It’s also far more common than you think—yet there’s plenty you can do to prevent this tragic occurrence. “Bird window collisions are mostly lethal,” says Kaitlyn Parkins, glass collisions program coordinator at American Bird Conservancy. “In the U.S. alone, researchers estimate that over a billion birds die each year after hitting glass. Most of those collisions are fatal, either immediately or shortly after from internal injuries.”
These collisions occur because birds don’t perceive glass the way we do. “To them, reflective glass looks like open sky or habitat,” says Parkins. “Transparent glass looks like a clear flight path, especially when they can see trees or sky on the other side.”
You may think most collisions occur with skyscrapers that have an expanse of glass, but the truth is that our homes are actually responsible for the majority of bird window collision deaths. “That’s because there are so many of them,” says Parkins. “Even if a single house kills just a few birds a year, when you multiply that by tens of millions of homes across the country, the numbers add up quickly.”
It’s estimated that 44% of all collisions take place at residences, while mid-rise buildings up to 11 stories account for 56% of collisions. Large glass office towers can be deadly too, but they’re fewer in number. At those buildings, most collisions take place on the lower floors, says Parkins.
Despite these grim numbers, you can make a difference. “We’re not waiting on breakthrough technology; we already know what works and simple, inexpensive solutions exist,” says Parkins.
Read on to learn how you can make your home’s windows safe for birds:
Identify problem windows.
Birds collide with windows because they cannot see them, so you can prevent collisions by making your windows more visible to them. However, not all windows are equally dangerous. The biggest risks are windows that have already caused collisions; large windows and glass doors which reflect habitat (including sky); and windows across from bird feeders, bird baths and fruit-bearing plants. Much of the time, fixing these windows will stop most collisions.
Use window screens to break up reflections on glass.
Window screens, also called insect screens, break up the reflections of sky and foliage on windows. This allows birds to avoid flying into windows because now they can perceive that it’s not a clear path and can navigate around windows.
Create DIY patterns with tempura paint, or apply pre-made decals.
But spacing is critical, so follow the 2-by-2 rule: Marks or decals should be spaced no more than 2 inches apart horizontally and vertically. This spacing preserves your view while protecting even small birds. “The key is density and placement,” Parkins says. “One hawk silhouette in the middle of a big pane doesn’t work.”
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Consider using commercially available window collision prevention films and decals.
Products such as Feather Friendly, Solyx Bird Safety Window Films, Window Alert, and CollidEscape help make windows more visible to birds and have been tested for effectiveness by American Bird Conservancy. Remember that spacing is key, so choose products that maintain the “2-by-2” rule, as described above.
Use hanging cords, which dangle in the breeze, on the outside of windows to break up reflections.
You can buy or DIY these cords with paracord or use Bird Crash Preventers, a product made with monofilament film. This solution can last for years.
But keep in mind, dangling cords can be a strangulation hazard for pets and young children, so this technique is best used on windows that are well out of reach, like those on a home’s upper floors.
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Opt for bird-safe glass, if possible.
For new construction or replacement windows and doors, consider purchasing bird-safe glass. “These products have different etchings and coatings that are invisible to the human eye but are enough to deter birds from flying into the glass,” says Dan DiClerico, home improvement and outdoor lab director of the Good Housekeeping Institute. “This is a good option for homeowners who want to install a glass wall system in their home, since the wide expanses of glass can lead to collisions.”
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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