Vinyl dots arranged in dense patterns help deter bird collisions on these residential glass doors. Photo: Mike Fernandez/Audubon

Preventing Window Collisions

Window collisions are one of the largest human-caused threats to birds. One major study estimated that building collisions in the US kill between 365 million and a billion birds each year. Nearly half of bird strikes occur at residential buildings.

It’s understandable how this happens. On sunny days, windows reflect the outdoors, making them appear to be extensions of outdoor environments. Even in cloudy weather, interior rooms can resemble outdoor spaces, especially when plants are located just inside a window.

How You Can Help

• Place bird feeders and baths at least 30 feet from windows, or alternatively within 3 feet

• Move plants away from windows where bird strikes are occurring

• Reduce exterior nighttime lighting (see our Lights Out page)

• Make your windows more visible to birds:

  • Apply patterns or decals to the outside of windows (4” apart).  Options include: CollidEscape dot pattern, decorative decals, Feather Friendly dot pattern, ultraviolet decals, Bird’s Eye View

  • Apply a window film. Options include: CollidEscape or Solyx

  • Install netting, bird screens, or other bird-safe products.  Options include: Acopian BirdSavers, bird screens, Polly™Net bird netting

  • Install slated blinds or rolldown screens

  • Employ a DIY solution such as vertical strips of tape, UV Paint pens, or Tempera paint stencils

What if a Bird Strikes your Window?

If you encounter a stunned bird, no need to move it unless there is an immediate danger, such as a cat nearby. Stunned birds often recover and are able to fly away. If, after an hour, the bird is still stunned, consider taking it to a wildlife care center such as Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) or Sarvey Wildlife Care Center.

Bird-Safe Building Design Toolkit

Calling all architects, designers, developers, and other industry professionals!

Portland Audubon has compiled excellent information and resources for practical and cost-effective products and approaches to designing bird-safe buildings for new construction, redevelopment, or retrofits.

They have included information on bird-safe building development projects, guidelines and policies, LED lighting research, and architects with bird-friendly building experience, as well as links to research on the science of window collisions. For more information, please visit the Portland Audubon Bird-Safe Building Design webpage.

Additional Resources

National Audubon's Reducing Window Collisions page

National Audubon’s Simple Solutions page

Instructions for making your own Acopian BirdSavers