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.

What Does it Mean When a Bird Hits Your Window?

by Ryan Hart | Updated on March 16, 2019 | Post may contain affiliate links

In this post, you’ll discover what it means when a bird hits your window. What I learned during my research was really surprising.

I found out that there’s a deep spiritual meaning when you see birds flying into windows.

Plus, at the end of this article I’m going to share the most common signs from heaven that a deceased loved one is still with you.

Ready to find out what it means?

Let’s get started.

Why Do Birds Fly into Windows?

Birds to fly into windows for many different reasons such as getting confused by reflections in the glass, seeing indoor plants, or being mysteriously drawn to lights at night.

However, each time it happens they carry a very important message. Bird’s are often thought of as messengers of God.

The fact that this has happened to you tells me much about the stress and difficulties you are currently going through in life.

The next time a bird hits your window, write down the exact time and date it happens. This is part of the message they are delivering.

Think carefully about what this date means to you. The bird might be trying to communicate about someone or something that happened in the past. Or they might be letting you know that something is about to happen in the future.

Here’s what it means when birds fly into your window:

You Are Worried About Money

Birds are very symbolic in the bible. They are considered messengers of God and are very special to him.

When a bird hits your window, this is likely a sign that you are worried about money. In Matthew 6:26 Jesus asks us to think of the birds. Everything they need is provided by God. They do not need to sow crops or labor in the field to eat. God gives them everything required to live.

A bird flying into your window might be a sign that you are worried about how you will pay your bills or where your next paycheck will come from.

This could be a sign that God wants you to remember that He will provide for you, just as he does for the birds.

Someone in Heaven is Sending You a Message

During creation, God separated the heavens from the waters of the earth. Yet, he allowed the “birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens” (Genesis 1:20). Birds are often thought of as messengers of God.

When a bird hits your window this could be a message from someone in heaven. Pay attention to when this happens as it could help you figure out who this message is from. Write down the date and time in your journal or on the calendar.

Birds might deliver messages on birthdays of the deceased, on the day they died, or other significant holidays.

You should feel relieved to know that someone in heaven is thinking about you.

Change is Coming Soon

When you see a bird hit a window, this means you are about to experience a positive change in your life.

Genesis 8:8-9 tells the story of when the great flood ended and Noah was able to return to land. Noah sent a dove to see if the flood waters had subsided, but the dove immediately returned because there was no place for her to land. Later, Noah sent the dove again and when she did not return, he knew the flood was ending.

A bird hitting your window might be a sign that the trouble in your life has not yet passed. There is no place for the bird to safely land. However, this might mean that change is coming soon.

Continue to be patient and have faith in God. He has plans for you that are in the works.

How to Prevent Birds From Flying into Windows

A recent study found that between 365 and 988 million birds are killed each year from window collisions in the United States!

During the daytime birds often fly into windows because they see the reflection of trees, plants, flowers, and other vegetation in the glass. They are unable to distinguish between the reflection in the window and real life.

Indoor plants can also confuse birds, causing them to hit your window while trying to get inside.

Birds may also repeatedly hit your window if they see their reflection. During the springtime when birds are territorial, they will fly into your window to attack the bird they see in the glass.

At nighttime, the causes of birds flying into windows are less understood. Experts are still studying the effects of light from windows on nocturnal birds. One study found that birds are mysteriously attracted to the light and can cause them to detour from their flight path.

If you have birds hitting your window frequently, the good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening again.

The most common way to reduce window reflection seen by birds is to apply horizontal or vertical markings on the outside of your windows. The markings must be about 2-4 inches apart in each direction for best results.

Here are a few easy ways to prevent birds from hitting your window:

• Stickers
• Decals
• Window art
• Tempera paint
• Tape
• Screens
• Netting
• Zen curtains
• External sun shades
• Interior vertical blinds
• Light-colored window blinds
• Shiny objects

If you have birds flying into a specific window often, consider adding a screen or stickers to deter other birds from making the same mistake.

Also, take note of what time this usually happens.

Go outside and look at the window from a bird’s perspective. What do you see and how can you reduce the reflection in your windows?

The birds in your backyard will be very grateful!

Signs From Heaven That a Deceased Loved One is with You

Here are the 15 most common signs that a deceased loved one is with you:

1. Feathers on the Ground

The next time you pass by a feather on the ground, don’t ignore it. Feathers are one of the most common ways to receive messages from angels and deceased loved ones in heaven.

2. Finding Pennies and Dimes

One way that a deceased loved one might send you a sign is by placing pennies, dimes or quarters on the ground in front of you. I like to call them “pennies from heaven” and they are a special way to remember loved ones that have passed away.

Now It’s Your Turn

And now I’d like to hear from you.

Did a bird hit your window? What happened next?

What do you think it means when birds fly into windows?

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

p.s. Have you ever wondered what the future holds for your love life?

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