How to Stop Birds Flying into Windows

Denise Coble

Would you like to learn how to stop birds flying into windows? Of course you would. Seeing birds hit your window is distressing. Most birds thankfully recover (don’t put them indoors, they will freak out more). But billions of birds are killed each year, often from internal injuries. So how can we help? The modern fashion of replacing old buildings with glass does not help, as birds have UV vision, so get confused and think they have a clear flight path. Other birds sometimes fight their own reflection, hit glass balconies or think your house is a garden.

Tips to Stop Birds Flying into Windows

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1. Turn off unused lights, especially in glass buildings
2. Use task lights at night, and blinds
3. Turn off unnecessary security lighting
4. Print off free posters by San Francisco’s Light Out campaign
5. Turn building lights off from dusk to dawn, during migration
6. Preserve building facades (rather than always using glass)
7. Use blinds, shutters & sheer curtain to filter sunlight
8. Remove houseplants near windows (birds get confused and think they are outside shelter areas)
9. Install frosted windows where possible
10. Do not burn candles near windows
11. The Spruce has a super checklist to go through.
12. BirdSafe has tips on how to make your home safe for birds
13. If cats are not nearby, place bird baths or feeders nearby
14. This means birds don’t have space to ‘gain momentum’

If there’s natural food aplenty, let birds find their own food. See how to help garden birds on what NOT to feed birds (mouldy or stale bread, or anything with fat like buttered sandwiches can harm). Organic gardens encourage natural food (like caterpillars). Know pet-toxic plants to avoid. 

Inventions to Help Stop Bird Strike 

Those decals to stick on windows are not effective, unless they almost cover the window (birds will try to fly through any space larger than a few inches). More effective are screens, visual barriers and bird-friendly glass.

1. Ornilux & Guardian Glass make UV glass that birds can see
2. BirdSafe reviews the best bird-strike prevention inventions

Preventing Bird Strike in Communities

1. Start a FLAP Program. Includes a volunteer manual
2. Download FLAP App to find ways to remedy problems
3. Let people know (if you see decals on windows)