Bird Collisions

What Are They and How Do They Happen?

Bird collisions occur when birds fly into buildings, vehicles, or other unnatural structures. These collisions happen most often while birds are migrating. Birds frequently struggle to distinguish between glass and open airspace. Landscapes can be reflected in glass, which misleads birds to believe that the landscape is just continuing on and heightens their risk of collisions. Collisions are often fatal for birds because, even if they survive the initial impact, their injuries leave them vulnerable to predators.

Based on our research, above is the estimated number of birds that have been killed by colliding into buildings since the start of 2024.

Lights and High Rise Buildings

Lights in high-rise buildings can be distracting and attractive to migrating birds. White, yellow, and red lights draw in flying birds to structures, causing more collisions. Changing external lighting to blue or green can lower the chances of birds colliding at night, as these colors are less attractive to flying birds. High-rise buildings and skyscrapers are the greatest threats to migrating birds because many are made primarily of glass.

Why We Care, and Why You Should Too

Besides dead birds being visually unappealing, they also cause a danger to humans, especially children, as they are more likely to unknowingly pick up dead birds. This is a concern as dead birds can pass on zoonotic infections such as avian influenza (bird flu), salmonella, and other diseases. Other animals such as cats and dogs may also interact with deceased birds and spread diseases that may negatively impact other species.

How Can You Be Part of the Solution?

If you live in an apartment building, particularly a high rise, make sure to turn off your lights or close your blinds to prevent birds from colliding into your windows at night.
Add stickers or decals to your windows. This will reduce the transparency of your windows, helping flying birds avoid them.
Change external lighting from white, yellow, or red to green or blue.
Check out our posters that are available to download and print! Post them up around your building or neighborhood to spread the word.

If you would like to help promote bird conservation in your area please download this poster and place it around your neighborhood. Every poster saves a bird.

Sources:

Lowe, J. Birds Flying Into Windows? Truths About Birds & Glass Collisions From ABC experts. American Bird Conservancy. (2024, January 4). https://abcbirds.org/blog/truth-about-birds-and-glass-collisions/

Chaisson, C. What Does “Bird-Safe glass” Even Mean? Audubon. (2023, February 21). https://www.audubon.org/news/what-does-bird-safe-glass-even-mean#:~:text=Birds%20can’t%20see%20glass,safe)%20things%20to%20fly%20towards.

Threats to Birds: Collisions. U.S. Fish & Wildlife service. FWS.gov. https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/threats-birds-collisions

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