Why Do Birds Keep Running Into My Windows on My House & Dying?

Place bird feeders away from windows to prevent bird deaths.

Birds fly directly into windows in homes because they cannot see that there is a window in front of them. Each year in America, about 97 million birds die from flying into windows, according to the Department of Biology at Muhlenburg College.

Causes

Glass in windows is transparent; birds cannot see it, so they slam directly into it at full-flight speed. They may also see their reflections and think it is another bird and attack it.

Care

Stunned birds may not be dead after flying into a window. The Audubon Society recommends placing the stunned bird in a box lined with a warm towel. Place a small shallow dish of water next to the box. The bird should recover in one hour. If not, call a vet to see if there is a bird rehabilitation center in your area.

Prevention

Birds can see decals or stickers placed on windows. They fly to avoid these images. They will also avoid statues of birds of prey like owls placed directly in front of a window. Do not place bird feeders directly in front of a window.

References

• Muhlenburg College: Sheet Glass: An Invisible and Lethal Hazard for Birds
• Audubon Society of Portland: Birds and Windows
• Humane Society of the United States: Flight Risk

Resources

• Wild Birds: Window Hazards
• National Audubon Society
• Bird Monitors: Wild Bird First Aid