How to Prevent Birds from Flying into Windows

Bird collision with glass happens more often than you think. The American Bird Conservancy agrees that birds flying into windows result in between 300 million and 1 billion deaths in North America annually.

That is 10% of the bird population in the country. So, how to prevent birds from flying into windows? Well, the best approach is to stop birds from perceiving reflections in the window. There are numerous ways to make this happen.

The best approach is to use bird-safe window films to reduce the external reflection of the window. Meanwhile, using decals or tape on windows, applying a substance such as soap or tempera paint to the window, or using an awning to reduce the reflection can do the trick in some situations.

Why Do Bird Collisions With Glass Happen Frequently

Transparent glass is invisible to humans, birds, and most mammals with two eyes. But humans can use door frames and other visual clues to anticipate the presence of glass and avoid collisions.

These are not hard to detect for humans due to their intelligence and awareness of a particular location relative to building features. Birds, of course, don't share this gift of perception or high intelligence. They see reflected images as literal objects.

This explains why glass reflections, especially ones that present images of food, shelter, or an escape route, can trigger collisions. However, birds may learn about individual pieces of glass in an area where they live, through repeated interactions, that is, if they survive the initial collision. But they remain unable to generalize from the experience and remain susceptible to collisions with other structures.

What Happens When Birds Fly Into Your Windows

Window collisions in the US are most frequent during spring and fall migration. That's because enormous numbers of birds move between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering grounds. During these times, it's easy to spot the effects in your environment.

For Birds

When we collide against unmarked doors and windows, minor bruises and embarrassment are the typical results. And in some rare cases, it can lead to fatal injuries. In birds, however, the impact can result in instant death or serious, often fatal, injuries that lead to death 90% of the time.

For Your Windows

When birds fly into your windows, they often leave scratches and stains, but are unlikely to destroy your window pane. However, persistent attacks from birds can cause serious damage to your windows. This mostly occurs in residential homes since buildings such as skyscrapers were built with bird-friendly building materials.

How to Stop Birds Hitting Windows Using Films

Bird-safe window films are transparent on the inside but opaque on the outside. These films cover the entire surface of the glass on the outside, preventing any reflection from affecting birds. As an added advantage, they are made to allow light inside while still appearing opaque to birds.

Also, some exterior films come in patterns, such as stripes or blocks, that can help to deter birds from flying into the glass. Applying patterned films can create an interesting look for your windows while also safeguarding them from birds.

Other Window Solutions for Bird Safety

Besides window films, there are several bird deterrents for windows.

Use Strips of Tape on the Outside Surface of Windows

There is specialty tape available at pet stores to prevent birds from hitting windows. When applying them, place the tape 4 inches (10 cm) apart vertically on your windows. This will signal to birds that the glass is there and prevent them from flying into it. You can also use black tape. If you use black tape, space the strips 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.

Apply decals on the Exterior Surface of Window Glass

Window decals help the birds see that there is a solid surface and not something to fly through. If you want to apply them, place the decals very close together, about a hand's distance away from each other. You will need to cover the windows with a pattern of decals, as 1 to 2 bird decals on the window may not deter birds.

Put Soap or Window Paint on the Outside Window Glass

Another way to prevent birds from hitting your windows is to put a layer of soap on the outside of the windows. This creates a film that will be visible to birds. Keep in mind that with this method, you may have to soap the windows several times a week to maintain the film. Alternatively, you can apply window paint or tempera paint to the windows. You can make this a fun DIY project and create bold, bright patterns with the window paint.

Conclusion

Finally, with the increasing number of large glass buildings being erected, it's important to promote bird-friendly building materials. This window solution for bird safety is long-lasting and effective. However, window films are the preferred option since they are a cheaper alternative. If you have further questions or need help with suitable window film installation, visit the Solar Screen blog.