Wild Bird Window Strike Prevention

Window strikes kill hundreds of millions of birds annually worldwide. Simple interventions significantly reduce this preventable mortality.

Key Facts

An estimated 100-900 million birds die from window strikes annually in the USA alone
Birds cannot perceive glass as a barrier - they see the reflection of habitat
Low-E glass and angled windows reduce strike risk compared to clear vertical glass
Tempera paint, window decals and external screens all reduce strike rates
Decals must cover the entire window surface at close intervals to be effective
Feeders placed very close to windows (under 1 metre) paradoxically reduce fatal strikes
Night-time light reduction reduces nocturnal migrant strike risk in cities

Welfare Considerations

Window strikes cause acute trauma including skull fractures, internal bleeding and spinal injury. Many birds that appear stunned die hours later from internal injuries. This is entirely preventable mortality - effective solutions exist and are inexpensive. The scale of the problem makes it one of the largest preventable sources of bird mortality globally, requiring action at building design and individual household levels.

What You Can Do

Apply closely spaced decals or tempera paint to problem windows in a grid pattern
Move bird feeders to within 1 metre of windows or more than 10 metres away
Reduce interior lighting visible from outside, especially during migration seasons
Advocate for bird-safe glass standards in building regulations