HOW TO REDUCE WINDOW COLLISIONS AT YOUR HOME

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that 44% of the 1 billion birds killed each year by window collisions die after hitting residential windows. Fifty six percent occur on midrise buildings (3-10 stories) and less 1% occur on high-rise buildings.


The good news? With just a few simple changes, you can help save millions of birds right from your own home.

Blackburnian warbler: one of many migratory songbirds that are susceptible to window collisions. Photo: iStock/ps50ace


Birds can’t recognize glass as a barrier. To prevent collisions, it's essential to break up reflections and provide visual cues that signal the presence of a solid surface. Applying patterns—such as dots, stripes, or other markers—on the outside of windows disrupts reflections of sky and vegetation and alerts birds to the glass. Even simple solutions can dramatically reduce collisions when applied correctly.

3 SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR WINDOWS

PATTERNED FILM SOLUTIONS

Patterned film products—like Feather Friendly, make glass visible to birds by creating a uniform pattern of dots or markers. Applied to the outside of windows, these films follow the recommended 2" x 2" spacing to break up reflections and help birds recognize glass as a barrier. They are durable, low-maintenance, and effective in a wide range of settings.

Feather Friendly Markers have been tested and are recommended by the American Bird Conservancy as a top product to effectively reduce window collisions.

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Feather Friendly markers in the standard 2” x 2” white dot pattern provide effective protection for these windows. Birds may see reflected trees, but the dots signal a barrier and help prevent deadly collisions. Photo courtesy of Feather Friendly.

HANGING CORDS

Simple, effective, and elegant—cord systems break up reflections and alert birds to the presence of glass. These vertical cords are spaced closely enough to prevent collisions but allow plenty of natural light and visibility. Options range from professionally made kits to affordable DIY versions that are easy to install and maintain.

Acopian BirdSavers have been tested and are recommended by the American Bird Conservancy as a top product to effectively reduce window collisions.

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DIY Tip: You can make your own using basic materials. Step-by-step instructions are available at HERE.

Acopian BirdSavers—also known as Zen Wind Curtains—are a proven solution for preventing window collisions. The vertical cords, spaced 4” apart, break up reflections and provide a clear signal to birds that glass is a barrier. Photo courtesy of Acopian BirdSavers.

DIY PATTERNS AND MURALS

Get creative and make your windows bird-safe with simple, effective designs! Use white washable tempera paint, oil-based markers, or bird-friendly tapes like ABC BirdTape to create patterns directly on the outside of your windows. To protect birds, spacing matters—each line or shape should be no more than 2 inches apart horizontally and vertically. Whether it’s a playful mural, dots, stripes, or geometric shapes, your artwork could save lives. This is a great option for schools, community spaces, or your own home—function meets creativity!

Tools Needed: White washable tempura paint or oil marker pen, soap to wash window

Optional tools": Stencils, stepladder, measuring tape

Try this step-by-step guide to guide to get you started!

WHERE TO START

Where to Start: Focus on High-Risk Windows

Creating a bird-safe home begins with identifying the windows most likely to cause collisions. Surprisingly, just a few windows are often responsible for the majority of strikes. Prioritizing these spots can make a big difference.

Start by treating:

  • Any window that has previously been the site of a collision.

  • Large windows or glass doors that reflect vegetation or sky—or offer a clear view to greenery on the other side.

  • Windows near bird feeders, baths, or fruiting plants.

Addressing these problem areas first will typically eliminate most collisions. Keep observing your home—if other windows become trouble spots, you can apply the same bird-friendly treatments there.

Juvenile ruby-throated hummingbird, a species susceptible to window collisions, takes nectar for cardinal flower. Photo: iStock/carolinaBirdman

Help Spread the Word

You can make a big impact by sharing what you’ve learned! Download and print our free brochures to help raise awareness about bird-window collisions and how to prevent them. These resources are perfect for libraries, community centers, workplaces, places of worship, local shops, schools—or even sharing with neighbors. By getting the information into more hands, you help protect more birds. Every person reached is another chance to make a home, business, or public space safer for birds. Together, we can turn awareness into action—one window at a time.