Cats and Birds | Helping Birds
Collisions with windows is a serious threat to birds
In Canada alone, about 16 – 42 million birds die from window collisions annually (Machtans, Wedeles, and Bayne 2013). In the USA, between 365 and 988 million birds are killed annually by building collisions (Loss et al. 2014). After cat predation on birds, bird-glass collision is the 2nd highest source of human-related bird mortality. About 70% of death occur in homes, low-rises and residences rather than urban skyscrapers and high-rises. More birds die from window strikes in rural areas and homes with birdfeeders and an abundance of vegetation, attracting more birds to fly nearby houses. Making your home windows bird-friendly is essential for saving millions of birds. And the good news is preventing window collisions is quick, inexpensive, and so easy!
How to prevent birds from flying into windows
- Treat your windows with effective bird collision deterrent products
- Place window markers on the outside of your window
- Ensure the distance between stickers/ lines/ dots is no more than 5cm
- Pull curtains or blinds over when you are not home
- Let the outside of your window get dirty and less reflective
- Consider bird-friendly design for new home constructions
- Assess your window with Birdsafe® DIY Building Risk Assessment App
Find more examples and information on the FLAP Canada, Vancouver Avian Research Centre, BirdSafe and American Bird Conservancy websites.
Report bird-building collisions
If you found a bird that was injured or died from flying into glass, you can report it on the Global Bird Collision Mapper App. Click to submit your report.
To learn more about ways you can help birds, visit Stewardship Centre for BC’s Cats and Birds – Helping Birds page.
