Bird Friendly Buildings

Bird Safe Windows

Saenger Home: Henningsville, PA.

Acopian Birdsavers used on a window known to average 100 bird-window collisions annually- now maybe 1 or 2 a year.

The Issue

For birds, glass windows are worse than invisible. By reflecting foliage or sky, they look like inviting places to fly into. And because the sheer number of windows is so great, their toll on birds is huge. Up to about 1 billion birds die from window strikes in the U.S. each year, according to a 2014 study.

There are two main types of window collisions: daytime and nighttime. In daylight, birds crash into windows because they see reflections of vegetation or see through the glass to potted plants or vegetation on the other side. At night, nocturnal migrants (including most songbirds) crash because they fly into lighted windows.

Why Birds Hit Windows—and How You Can Help Prevent It | All About Birds All About Birds

Learn More about Preventing Bird-Window Collisions

Join us for a conversation with bird-glass collision researcher and leading expert, Dr. Daniel Klem, Acopian Professor of Ornithology and Conservation Biology at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania. His new book, 'Solid Air | Invisible Killer: Saving Billions of Birds from Windows', highlights decades of his research and summarizes both challenges and solutions.

The Solution

Hanging cords at The Discovery Center in Philadelphia help deter bird collisions. Photo: Luke Franke/Audubon

People ‘see’ glass because we understand buildings. Birds need strong clues on or around glass to warn them that it’s there.

Reducing reflective surface collisions

  • Create patterns on reflective glass surfaces (quantity and spacing matter: multiple markings 2 to 4 inches apart are recommended).

  • Install external screens on windows.

  • Close blinds or curtains.

  • Move interior plants away from windows.

  • Place bird feeders directly on window or as close as possible to limit speed on impact to windows.

More Resources:
Bird Safe Home Brochure

Audubon PA home collision deterrent survey (surveymonkey.com)

Make your windows bird-safe | The Humane Society of the United States

If Impact Does Occur

  1. Gently cover and catch the bird with a towel and place her in a paper bag or cardboard box (with air holes) that is securely closed.

  2. Keep the bird in a quiet, warm, dark place, away from activity.

  3. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: find a PA wildlife Rehabilitation Center here

You Found a Bird That Crashed Into a Window. Now What? | Audubon