How to Stop Birds From Flying Into Windows

Whether you live in a high rise or a ranch house, there’s a chance you’ve had a bird fly into your window or sliding glass door. It’s unpleasant, and you may think there’s nothing you can do to prevent it from happening.

Luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent birds from hitting your windows!

But first, let’s talk about why birds fly into windows sometimes. The real reason may surprise you.

Why Do Birds Hit Windows?

Birds typically hit windows because they see the sky and trees reflected in the glass, giving them the impression that they have a clear flight path. Unfortunately, most birds that hit windows die either from their injuries or because another animal attacked them while they were stunned from the hit.

That’s right, it’s not bad eyesight or crystal clear glass that causes bird collisions. It’s the optical illusion that causes them to fly right into the glass.

This may not seem like a big deal, but it is estimated that around one billion – yes, billion – birds die in the US from flying into windows each year. That can have a huge impact on the ecosystem, food chain, and the ability of certain species to thrive.

Not to mention the unpleasant “thud” when a bird hits your window, and then having to deal with the stunned or dead critter!

Luckily, there are several things you can do to make your windows and sliding glass doors bird-safe.

How to Keep Birds From Flying Into Windows

When making your windows bird-safe, the goal is to break up the reflection that the bird sees on the outside of your window. Here are some simple ways to do it:

1. Add screens to windows that do not have them. Screens are a great way to break up a reflection, but typically, only one half of the window has a screen. Look for magnetic screens for an easy way to cover the other half of your window or door.
2. If possible, avoid opening blinds all the way. This ensures there is always something behind the glass close to the window to help avoid a perfect reflection.
3. Add window decals for bird safety to the outside of your windows, making sure they’re no more than 2 inches apart. Choose brightly colored or holographic stickers for maximum visibility and contrast. Decals are a great option for renters since they’re easy to apply and remove without damaging the window.
4. Similarly, window film is a great way to keep birds from hitting your windows while increasing privacy. Decorative window film will work, but you can also look for anti-collision window film designed specifically to prevent birds from hitting your window.
5. If you have bird baths or bird feeders near your window or patio door, move them to a spot further away from any glass.

Choosing 1-2 of these tactics will help keep birds from hitting your window or patio door.

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