Birds often collide with windows because they see reflections of trees, sky, or open spaces and mistake them for safe passage.
These collisions can cause serious injury or death, especially for migratory birds. Birds do this because they don't see glass as glass, or any sort or barrier. They think the the window is part of the sky and landscape, or occasionally they'll attack a window when they see their own reflection in it (this is more common during mating season).
By making windows more visible to birds, you can protect wildlife while maintaining clear views of your garden. A few small adjustments can make a big difference in preventing unnecessary bird injuries and deaths.
One of the simplest solutions is to apply window decals, stickers, or patterns that break up reflections. These should be spaced no more than 2 inches apart vertically and 4 inches apart horizontally to effectively deter birds.
Other options include UV-reflective window films, which are nearly invisible to humans but visible to birds, or soap or tempera paint designs that provide a temporary fix. You can also hang something in the window (wreath, glass prism etc.) to deter birds.
Another approach is to alter the exterior environment. Installing external screens or netting can reduce reflections and create a physical barrier. Keeping bird feeders and baths far away (over 30 feet) from windows reduces the risk of high-speed collisions.
Try removable window film (many home stores carry it). It looks opaque from the outside but doesn't affect the view from the inside.
NOTE: This isn’t just a daytime problem—it also affects birds that fly at night, including songbirds. At night, lighted windows, as well as the glow of bright outdoor lighting on your home, can disorient birds and divert them from their path; this puts them at risk for collisions. There are easy fixes, though—you can turn off lights at night or install outdoor and house lighting that faces down.
By making windows more visible to birds, you can protect wildlife while maintaining clear views of your garden. A few small adjustments can make a big difference in preventing unnecessary bird injuries and deaths.
One of the simplest solutions is to apply window decals, stickers, or patterns that break up reflections. These should be spaced no more than 2 inches apart vertically and 4 inches apart horizontally to effectively deter birds.
Other options include UV-reflective window films, which are nearly invisible to humans but visible to birds, or soap or tempera paint designs that provide a temporary fix. You can also hang something in the window (wreath, glass prism etc.) to deter birds.
Another approach is to alter the exterior environment. Installing external screens or netting can reduce reflections and create a physical barrier. Keeping bird feeders and baths far away (over 30 feet) from windows reduces the risk of high-speed collisions.
Try removable window film (many home stores carry it). It looks opaque from the outside but doesn't affect the view from the inside.
NOTE: This isn’t just a daytime problem—it also affects birds that fly at night, including songbirds. At night, lighted windows, as well as the glow of bright outdoor lighting on your home, can disorient birds and divert them from their path; this puts them at risk for collisions. There are easy fixes, though—you can turn off lights at night or install outdoor and house lighting that faces down.
How to Help an Injured Bird
Birds striking a window in full flight are often killed outright. Others may have internal injuries to which they succumb later, but some birds are only temporarily out of action.
"Many times when a bird hits a window, they are stunned and just need a little time to recover. Putting them in a dark, warm, quiet place lets them gather their wits about them, and then they can be released after 15 or 20 minutes," says an expert. Place the bird in a box with a lid, and be sure to keep cats and dogs away while you wait for it to recover.
After 20 minutes, if the bird doesn't fly away on its own, or if you noticed a bad injury at the outset, call a wildlife rehabilitator. They will advise and may ask you to bring the bird to them."
While windows bring welcome garden views and sunshine into our homes, they pose a lethal threat to wild birds. But with a few simple adjustments, you can help your winged visitors avoid that danger.