Each year, nearly a billion birds die from window collisions in North America alone. Here’s how to make your windows bird-safe.
Have you ever walked straight into a glass door because it was just too clean? (Guilty!) Now imagine being a bird flying at full speed toward a window that looks like open sky. Unfortunately, for birds, that moment of confusion is often fatal.
If you’ve ever heard a “thud” against your window or discovered a small feathered friend lying below the glass, you’re not alone. Window collisions are one of the leading causes of bird mortality, especially in urban and suburban areas.
The good news? You can make a difference. With a few simple changes, you can help prevent bird strikes at home or your place of work.
Why do birds fly into windows?
Birds don’t understand glass. Reflections of sky, clouds, and greenery trick them into thinking they’re flying into open space. Even indoor plants placed near windows can confuse birds into thinking they’re aiming for shelter.
How to prevent birds from hitting your windows
1. Place bird feeders close to your windows
Keep feeders within 3 feet of your window. At this short distance, birds won’t be able to build up enough speed to injure themselves if they fly into the glass.
2. Add visual markers to the glass
Break up reflections with visual patterns:
- Use tape strips (vertical every 4″ or horizontal every 2″)
- Apply window decals or dot patterns
- Ensure the pattern spacing leaves no area larger than 2″x4″
3. Keep blinds closed during peak collision hours
Draw blinds or curtains, especially during early morning and late afternoon when sunlight enhances reflections. If blinds aren’t effective, consider other reflective blockers.
4. Hang wind chimes or moving decorations
Movement catches a bird’s attention. Hang chimes, string, ribbons, or suncatchers both inside and outside the window to disrupt the illusion of open sky.
5. Use hawk or predator silhouettes
Mount a hawk silhouette on the outside of the glass using suction cups and fishing line. Allow it to sway in the wind for a more realistic deterrent.
Long-term solutions for bird-safe windows
If you’re committed to protecting birds year-round, consider these more permanent fixes:
1. Apply frosted or one-way window film
Window films help reduce reflection without blocking your view from inside. Bonus: they also add a layer of privacy.
2. Install external netting or screens
Light netting installed a few inches in front of your window acts like a trampoline, cushioning birds from direct impact.
3. Use bird-safe glass or UV-coated options
If you’re replacing windows, look into bird-safe glass that reflects ultraviolet light, visible to birds but transparent to humans.
Keep your windows clean and bird-safe
At Umbrella Property Services, we clean hundreds of residential and commercial windows across the Vancouver region, but we also understand the unintended impact they can have on local wildlife. We’re proud to advise our customers on how to maintain clean, safe, and bird-friendly glass all year round.
Want to make your clean windows safer for birds? Book a window cleaning with Umbrella and ask us about bird-safe treatments and tips.