How to Prevent Birds From Flying Into Windows

Co-authored by Jeff Jones and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: January 20, 2024 Approved

Many small birds, such as cardinals and robins, are so territorial that they will fly straight into a glass window, thinking they're driving their own reflection away. This is a particular problem during breeding season, but birds may also fly into windows throughout the year. You can prevent birds from flying into the windows of your home or office by putting in a few safety measures. There are also several ornithologist-tested and approved products on the market that are highly effective for preventing window collisions.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Adjusting Your Windows

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1
Apply strips of tape to the windows on the outside surface. Use white tape that can withstand wind and rain. Place the tape 4 inches (10 cm) apart vertically on your windows. This will signal to birds that the glass is there and prevent them from flying into it.^{[1]
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- You can also use black tape. If you use black tape, space the strips 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
- There is specialty tape available at pet stores to prevent birds from hitting windows.^{[2]
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2
Put bird decals on the outside surface of window glass. Bird decals or bird stickers can be a quick and easy way to bird-proof your windows. Always place decals very close together, about 1 hand’s distance away from each other. You will need to cover the windows with a pattern of decals, as 1 to 2 bird decals on the window will not deter birds.^{[3]
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Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds

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- Window decals help the birds see that there is a solid surface and not something to fly through.^{[4]
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You can find bird decals at bird-feeding stores and pet stores. You can often find bird decals in different bird silhouettes, such as hawk or robin silhouettes. Look for decals that are colored in an ultraviolet spectrum, as they will be transparent to our eyes but visible to birds.

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3
Apply soap or window paint to the outside of the windows. Another way to deter birds from hitting your windows is to put a layer of soap on the outside of windows, creating a film that will be visible to birds. Keep in mind that with this method, you may have to soap the windows several times a week to maintain the film.^{[5]
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- Another option is to apply window paint or tempera paints to the windows. You can make this a fun art project and create bold, bright patterns with the window paint. Make sure you cover most to all of the surface area of the windows with paint so there are no clear or transparent areas that birds can fly into.
EXPERT TIP

Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Ornithologist
Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.

Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Ornithologist

Put strips on windows to prevent bird collisions. Add decals, tape, plastic bags or even soap to windows to make them more visible to birds. Clear glass appears invisible to birds, so transforming windows into barriers they can see prevents deadly crashes.
4
Put a film on the outside of your windows. There are window films available that are transparent on the inside but opaque on the outside. Use a film that covers the entire surface of the glass on the outside. Most window films are made to allow light inside while still appearing opaque and reflective to birds.^{[6]
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- Some films also come in patterns, such as stripes or blocks, that can help to deter birds from flying into the glass. Applying patterned films can create an interesting look for your windows while also safeguarding them for birds.
5
Add window screens or a net. There are several bird screens and nets available that can help to prevent birds from flying into your windows. Look for a bird screen that is made of dark mesh that you can hang over your windows. You can customize the mesh so it covers your windows properly.^{[7]
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- You can buy bird netting to hang 2 inches (5.1 cm) from your windows. Look for netting that is made of durable, lightweight polypropylene.
6
Install exterior shutters or sun shades. If you do not already have exterior shutters on your windows, consider installing them. You can then close the shutters when you are out for the day to prevent birds from hitting the glass. Exterior shutters can also be a good way to conserve energy and keep your house warm without turning up the heat.^{[8]
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Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds

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- You can also install sun shades or awnings. They will block the reflection of sunlight and create shade over the windows, making it easier for birds to spot the glass and avoid flying into it.
7
Switch out the glass for ultraviolet, patterned glass. For a permanent solution, you can switch out your window glass for ultraviolet, patterned glass. This glass has crisscross patterns that are not noticeable to humans but are visible to birds from the outside. Though this may be the most expensive option, it is also the most permanent one.^{[9]
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- You can find ultraviolet, patterned window glass online or in specialty home and furniture stores.
- If you are planning to install windows in your home, you should go for slightly tilted windows. Ask the contractor to position the windows so they are slightly vertical, facing downward. This will allow the window surface to reflect the ground rather than the sky and the trees. Positioning your windows this way will help to deter birds from hitting the glass without obstructing your view.^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Adapting Your Home

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If your home contains a lot of houseplants close to your windows, move them several feet away from the windows. Birds may spot them through the windows and view them as refuges. They may then fly into the window in an attempt to perch on the plants.^{[11]
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2
Close curtains and blinds as often as possible. Try to keep your curtains and blinds closed throughout the day, as this will help to deter birds from flying into the windows. Closed curtains or blinds will help to indicate that the windows are there.^{[12]
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- If you have vertical blinds in your home, you should try to keep them halfway closed or completely closed during the day.
Keep your house dark at night by turning off any lights in rooms you are not using. This will prevent birds from being drawn to the lights in your home and flying into the windows.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Bird Feeders and Other Objects

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1
Place bird feeders and baths no more than 3 feet (0.91 m) from the windows. While it may seem counter-intuitive, it’s actually safer for birds if you place feeders and bird baths close to your windows.^{[13]
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Jeff Jones
Bird Specialist

Expert Interview. 13 May 2021.} Keeping them too far away from the windows will allow birds to accelerate more if they decide to fly into a window, creating a more dangerous impact.^{[14]
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The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds

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- To minimize deadly impacts as much as possible, look for feeders that you can attach directly to the glass.
- You can also reduce the changes of window impacts by placing feeders and baths more than 30 feet (9.1 m) away from your window.^{[15]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jeff Jones
  Bird Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 13 May 2021.} That way, birds will be less likely to notice your windows and fly into them.
2
Hang wind chimes in front of the window. Break out the wind chimes and place them outside above your windows. Look for wind chimes that contain shiny objects and make noise when they are hit by the wind.^{[16]
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- You can also make a wind chime by hanging compact discs or long strips of shiny, reflective plastic in front of windows. Another option is to hang old aluminum pie plates in front of the windows to deter birds.
For a more natural look, you can suspend tree branches in front of the windows. Tie the branches to string and dangle them a few inches in front of your window in rows. This will allow you to still have a view out your window and deter birds from flying into the windows.^{[17]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Installing Ornithologist-Approved Commercial Systems

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1
Add Acopian BirdSavers for a simple, easy-to-install solution. Acopian BirdSavers are simple paracord curtains that you can install quickly and easily outside your windows to deter bird crashes. They consist of a series of evenly spaced vertical cords that hang in front of the window.^{[18]
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Research source} Order BirdSavers in the right sizes for your windows and follow the included installation instructions.
- Acopian BirdSavers are highly effective bird deterrents, and are recommended by the American Bird Conservancy based on extensive testing.
- You can purchase BirdSavers made to order of your windows here: https://www.birdsavers.com/.
2
Make your own BirdSavers if you prefer a DIY approach. If you’d rather make your own BirdSavers, you can easily do so with a little dark-colored paracord and some vinyl j-channel. Measure the width of your window frame and cut the j-channel to the right width. Next, drill enough holes in the j-channel that you can hang the cords vertically across your entire window with about 4 inches (10 cm) of space between each one. Insert the cords through the holes and knot them at the top so they hang at the desired length.^{[19]
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- You can mount the j-channel to the top of your window using screws or adhesive Velcro strips.
- As an alternative to j-channel, try using a piece of PVC pipe or a strip of wood molding.
- You can also use another piece of paracord as the top horizontal piece.^{[20]
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Bird Crash Preventers are another system tested and approved by the American Bird Conservancy.^{[21]
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Research source} These consist of a simple nylon grid that is highly visible to birds but nearly invisible to humans. Purchase Bird Crash Preventers in the right size for your windows and install them using the included screws and brackets.
4
Get Feather Friendly adhesive window dots for easy installation. These American Bird Conservancy-approved decals consist of a series of white adhesive dots that you can apply to your windows in a simple grid pattern.^{[22]
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Research source} Install the Feather Friendly adhesives yourself or request a professional installation.
- These adhesives are designed to stick well in all weather conditions without damaging your window glass or any exterior coatings on the glass.
- Purchase Feather Friendly window markers here: https://www.conveniencegroup.com/featherfriendly/feather-friendly/.
5
Use Solyx Bird-Safety Film if you want more decorative options. Solyx Bird-Safety Film is an adhesive film that comes in a variety of patterns, from simple horizontal or vertical lines to decorative trellises and even colorful, nature-inspired designs. Order the film and install it yourself, or request a professional installation if you prefer.^{[23]
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- Solyx Bird-Safety Film is tested and approved by the American Bird Conservancy.
- You can order this product in a variety of designs here: https://www.decorativefilm.com/specialty-bird-safety.

Community Q&A

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Question

I have a double feature window. We can cover it with another layer of dark green glass, which is hard to see through. Is that a good idea?

Community Answer

Birds can see UV light. Fluorescent yellow highlighters contain UV. I use a yardstick and draw vertical lines on the insides of my windows, spaced about 2 inches apart. The highlighters would be even more effective on the outsides of the windows, but the ink washes off in the rain. The highlighter ink is barely visible to humans, but the birds can see it. It has made a big difference in the number of bird strikes at my house. It's also very easy to wash off the glass when you need to.

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What do I do if a bird hits the window?

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If you want to help the bird, find it and put it into a cardboard box with some cushioning. Make sure it is dark in there and leave the bird for 15-30 minutes. Check on the bird and see if it has perked up, if it has, set it free. If not, call your local animal rescue organization.

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How do wind chimes help the bird not fly into the window?

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Birds can't see glass, but they can see the wind chime since it isn't transparent.

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Tips

Hanging up sun catchers or a stained glass artwork often work to help prevent birds from hitting the windows. It doesn't always stop them, but it's an improvement. The larger the piece of art, the more effective it is.

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Warnings

Don’t try to scare off birds by placing a hawk sculpture near your window. The birds will quickly figure out that the hawk is not real, and it will not deter them from flying into your windows.

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