What to Do When A Bird Hits a Window

Bird Flew Into a Window? Know How to Help!

The Spruce / Theresa Chiechi

Every birder has heard the resounding thud of a bird hitting a window, and even with the best preventative measures to help birds see and avoid the glass, impacts are inevitable. But when a bird strikes a window, what can be done to help it recover?

Why Birds Hit Windows

Birds are intelligent about natural predators and obstacles in their environment, but they do not recognize glass as a solid surface and have no conception that it can be dangerous. Most often, window collisions happen because birds see various reflections in the glass and mistake those reflections for something real. Reflecting branches, for example, can seem like a good place to land, a feeder reflection may seem like a tasty food source, or reflected clouds can look like a clear flight path. Even reflections of other birds can be confusing because it will seem as though the area beyond the glass is safe. When birds are panicked, such as being startled or chased by a hawk or cat, they are even more likely to crash into the glass, even if that glass has been treated or made more visible.

When Window Collisions Happen

While there are many ways to prevent bird window collisions, even the most vigilant birder will occasionally have a bird strike a window. When that happens:

1. Find the bird.
   If the collision was minor, the bird might fly off right away, or it may move somewhat away from the window. If it were stunned, however, it would likely be underneath the window or very close by and may not be alert or moving.
2. Observe the bird closely.
   Before handling the bird, watch closely to see how it reacts. Many stunned birds will sit quietly as they recover, perhaps with their wings slightly drooped, and if they are in a safe area, they do not need to be moved. If the bird is unconscious or thrashing about, however, it may need additional care.
3. Check for injuries.
   If the bird is unconscious, gently pick it up or carefully check for visible injuries, including signs of broken bones or cuts. Other indications may be missing feathers or a discharge from the bill. If the bird is severely hurt, contact a bird rescue organization to ensure the bird gets immediate, appropriate medical care. While handling the bird, it is always wise to wear gloves.
4. Keep the bird safe.
   If the bird appears just to be stunned, put it in a safe, sheltered place. If possible, leave the bird in the area where the collision occurred, but if the area is not safe from predators or other hazards, put the bird in a small box or paper bag. The box or bag should be large enough that the bird can spread its wings, and it may be lined with newspapers or a clean rag. Loosely close the box while still ensuring the bird has plenty of air circulation, and keep the box in a quiet, warm spot as the bird recovers.
5. Give the bird recovery time.
   Depending on the severity of the impact, it may take just a few minutes or up to 2-3 hours for a bird to recover, and during that time it should be stimulated as little as possible. Do not open the box or bag to check the birds’ condition, and do not poke or prod the bird to try and get a response. Instead, listen for it to begin moving around, which will be the best sign of its recovery. If the bird is showing no signs of recovery after 2-3 hours, it should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator even if there are no other injuries visible.
6. Release the bird.
   Once the bird begins to move and show more activity, it should be returned to its environment. Take the box outdoors and gently open it in the same area where the collision occurred so the bird can easily get its bearings. The bird should fly out fairly quickly, but it may not fly far as it adjusts to the surroundings. If it is not safe to release the bird in the same area, take it to the closest similar habitat where it will find good food, fresh water, and safe shelter.

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Mark Tighe / Flickr / CC by 2.0

Not all birds will recover from window collisions. Internal bleeding or injuries may not be obvious but can be fatal, and if the bird dies, it should be disposed of properly.

What Not to Do

It is natural to want to help every window collision victim, but there are some steps birders should never take, even with the best intentions.

• Do not offer food or water to an injured bird.
  Birds have very specific diets, and an injured bird needs a quiet, calm environment to recover. The bird will happily forage ​on its own after it is released and does not need any feeding during the brief recovery period.
• Do not give the bird any medications.
  Many human medications are toxic to birds. If the bird has an obvious broken limb or severe bleeding, wrap it snuggly in gauze or rags to limit its movement, and get it to a rehabilitator for proper care and avian medication immediately.
• Do not release the bird indoors.
  It can be tempting to open a bag or box to check on the bird’s progress, but doing so may accidentally startle the bird into a premature escape. This will cause the bird even more panic and stress when it finds itself in unfamiliar surroundings, and it may injure itself further by colliding with furniture, walls, mirrors, or windows as it tries to get away.
• Never keep a wild bird as a pet, even if you intend to release it.
  Keeping a wild bird captive, even for a short time, is a violation of the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and similar legislation, and can be punished with fines or jail time. It is never in the bird’s best interests to get it accustomed to humans in any way.
• Never handle raptors, even small ones.
  Birds of prey have powerful bills and talons, and mishandling these birds can create long-lasting problems for them to resume hunting in the wild. If a raptor collides with your windows, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or bird rescue organization for guidance.

Preventing Future Window Collisions

The best thing to do when a bird hits a window is to take steps to prevent any more collisions. If one window is a consistent problem, scrutinize it for reflections or other specific threats that may be causing birds’ confusion, and use multiple techniques to keep birds safe. While it is important for birders to know what to do when a bird collides with a window, it is always best if they never need to use that knowledge.

How to Stop Birds from Pecking or Flying Into Windows

Got a wild bird that won’t stop pecking at your window? Or, do birds tend to crash into certain windows of your home? Here’s some tips to stop the behavior without harming the bird.

For bird-inspired garden art, also see Creative Birdhouse Ideas.

Help! This Bird Won’t Stop Pecking My Window!

It’s that time of year—wild bird breeding season—when you may hear a bird pecking away at your window. Or, birds crash into windows in their flight path.

When they peck, they aren’t trying to tell you that your feeder is out of sunflower seeds—although some birdwatchers say birds do this as well.

The most likely reason for this behavior is the aggressively territorial nature of some birds—especially during nesting season—and the reflections in your windows.

Birds in flight see the reflection of trees and sky in windows—not a hard, glass barrier, and fly right into them. This kills hundreds of millions of birds every year in the United States alone.

When resting, a bird sees its own reflection in the glass, perceiving a rival bird. And that means it’s time to defend their territory.

The threatened bird may peck, scratch, and use intimidating postures to get this rival bird to go away. But the poor guy has met his match!

Perhaps some figure it out or give up after a few hard pecks, but for others, the aggression can escalate and they are not backing down.

I’ve had numerous emails from readers over the years sharing stories of birds who fixate on a particular house window or car mirror and persist for days or weeks. It’s not fun!

Robins are well known for this, and some cardinals. But it’s not just them. Bluebirds, sparrows, goldfinches and many others have been known to attack their reflections.

And, while it’s not as harmful as flying into a window, the incessant tapping is distressing for everyone involved.

Let’s look at ways to decrease the likelihood of these behaviors.

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7 Tips for Stopping Birds from Pecking or Flying Into Windows and Mirrors

If you’re looking for a magic solution, there isn’t one. If nothing else, make kind choices. The problem is human-made and the birds are just doing what comes naturally to them.

But there are some things you can try to change the circumstances which in turn may get the bird to give up and move on.

1 Block the Reflection

• Cover up the exterior of the window so there is no reflection.
• If you can’t access it, cover the window from inside.
• Use cardboard or anything else you have that can be taped on.
• Window screen could also help.
• It won’t look great but in most cases the problem is short-lived and that may be enough to stop the bird.

Do window decals work?

Not particularly. Decals are no different than anything else covering the window: you need to cover most of the window to get rid of the reflection.

2 Keep Your Curtains Closed

• If you haven’t already, keep the curtains closed to change the reflection.
• If your window is normally uncovered, add a curtain or blind—anything to change how it looks to the bird.

3 Change the Appearance of the Window

These tips can also prevent birds from flying into windows:

• Use a white paint marking pen (see this one at amazon) and draw white lines on the window: 4 inches apart, the entire way across the window. The bars deter the birds and the marker is removable.

• Hang dangling items in front of the window. It could be cords, stained glass art, strings of beads, or hanging plants.

4 Spiritual Meanings of Bird Knocking on Window

There are several reasons why a bird hits a glass window. Some are mundane, while others might be symbolic.

One primary reason a bird might hit the window is because it sees the sky’s reflection on it. In this case, the bird does this because it thinks it’s a continuation.

Several traditions all over the world give special meaning to this scenario. So, what does it mean when a bird hits your window? Is it bad luck if a bird flies into your window and dies? In this article, we are going to shed more light on these superstitions and spiritual beliefs.

Superstitious Beliefs about Birds Flying into Closed Window

In some cultures, it is a sign of impending doom when a bird hits a window. They believe that this incidence is a warning sign that the person should prepare for difficult days.

Other traditions believe that the bird hitting your window is just a messenger. Some believe the bird carries a goodwill message, while others believe it’s a message of death.

So generally, according to all traditions, a bird hitting your window signifies change. But as we said earlier, a bird hitting your window is a natural occurrence. The bird just sees your window as a continuation of the landscape.

There is no need to fuss and lose sleep over superstitious beliefs, rest. Even if a change is coming, know it is going to be a positive one!

Bird Knocking on Window Spiritual Meaning

A bird pecking at a window has several spiritual meanings. Let’s look into some of them;

1. Impending Transition

Every tradition and culture have this thought that a bird hitting your window means that change is about to occur in your life.

When a bird keeps flying into your window frequently, there are several meanings to it. One of them is that a significant transition is about to happen in your life.

It could also mean your challenges are not yet over. It could also mean the problems are gradually ending, and you need to be patient. Let us use the biblical story of Noah as a standpoint.

From the bible, after the destruction of the world by the flood, Noah sent out a bird. The dove bird went out to look for dry land. Anytime it returns to the ark, it meant that there was no dry land yet, and trouble was still looming. But when it didn’t come back, it was clear that the water had dried out.

2. A Message from Someone in Heaven

Birds are amazing creatures. With their power of flight, they roam the heavens and the earth. When a bird hits your window, it could mean a message from someone in heaven. Mostly someone that is dear to you. Playing close attention to this phenomenon is the key to deciphering the message God has for you.

The ancients believe that birds serve as in-between connecting man and God. They also believe that dead relations can send relevant messages to you on important days. The book of Genesis says that after the creation of the earth, the birds flew across the vast heavens.

3. You Worry Too Much About Finances

Birds can serve as messengers both in dreams and in reality. When a bird flies through your window, it could be a sign of finances. The thought of finances always take too much of your time.

This particular sign could arise both in dreams and in real life. In both cases, they serve as a reminder of God’s ultimate power to supply all your needs.

Just like what Jesus talks about in the Bible. He said, why worry about what you will eat, drink or clothes you will wear? He went on to give an instance using the birds of the sky and how not worried they are. In this particular teaching, Jesus urges you to put your trust in God’s ability to supply all your needs.

4. Death is Looming

In ancient times, when a bird flies into a window, it means that death is knocking at the door. A bird should fly outside in the open air. Different traditions believe it is highly unusual for a bird to fly into the home. Some said it signifies a fleeting life.

These traditions have taken time to observe this particular phenomenon. They believe this impending death is sure, especially if it’s a blackbird. They believe the blackbird means the dark hands of death has come to take a relative.

It is usually advisable not to neglect superstitions, especially ones relating to death. It is best to take precautions and look for a solution.

Superstitious beliefs do not just arise. These are the product of a long period of observation. This observation could be several generations long. Most superstitious beliefs serve as landmarks and guides, put in place to prevent future generations from repeating mistakes.

Different Types of Birds and Their Different Meanings When They Hit the Window

Not all birds pass the same message when they hit your window. The message most times depends on the type of bird.

• Doves: This bird represents purity in the bible. The bird represents good energy and peace. It is the bird sent out by Noah to scout for land. It also describes the right direction and perception. When it hits your window, it is all good news.
• Bluebird: Blue is a joyful color, and this translates to its message. When a bluebird hits your window, expect joyful news and transition.
• Candor: This bird represents an evil omen. Death usually follows this bird’s visit.
• Sparrow: The sparrow is a symbol of good tidings. This bird brings a message of goodwill and liberality, which sometimes symbolizes wealth.
• BlueJay bird: This bird signifies self-assurance. Meaning your confidence needs to improve.
• BlackBirds: Folklore does not agree on blackbirds. Some tradition believes blackbird symbolizes death. Others believe that birds such as the Raven bring security.
• Owl: This bird, with its compound eyes, represents knowledge and vision. In some cases, it could also represent ill health.

What It Means if a Bird Hit Your Window and Following You

• When a bird hits your window and lets itself in, or follows you, do not fright. This message shows a good sign. Most folklore believes supernatural forces are guiding you.
• The bird is protecting you from impending danger, so rest easy. It is usually not an easy thought to process, but chasing off the bird might cause more harm than good.

Wrap Up

Do not fright when a bird hits your window. As we’ve broken down in this article, it is not all bad news. In ancient times once a bird flies into your window, death knocks at the door. Now, a bird hitting your window could be a symbol of new beginnings for your health and finances. It is mostly all about perception.

One common rule of thumb when this incidence occurs is taking records. These incidences usually herald a change, a turn-around, or a transition. Taking down the time of this occurrence and the date would go a long way in deciphering the message.