Wild Animals

Wild Bird Window Collision Prevention

An estimated 100 million birds die from building and window collisions annually in the UK alone, making it one of the most significant preventable causes of wild bird mortality.

Key Facts

Birds cannot perceive glass as a barrier, flying into reflections of sky and vegetation
Large glass facades, angled windows and bird feeders near glass are highest risk
Simple window films, external netting and UV-reflective patterns are highly effective
Collision death is not always instant; many birds suffer for hours before death

Welfare Considerations

Birds that survive initial impact suffer from concussion, internal haemorrhage and bone fractures. Recovery without care is uncertain; birds left on the ground are vulnerable to predation while disoriented. The scale of preventable mortality represents enormous cumulative suffering across wild bird populations already under pressure from other threats.

What You Can Do

Apply window collision prevention film or external netting to large glazed areas
Move bird feeders to within 1 metre of windows (reducing impact velocity) or over 10 metres away
Install external blinds or screens that break up glass reflections
Advocate for bird-safe glazing standards in planning requirements for new buildings