The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center Bird Banding Lab webinar on the threat of bird collisions, current science and future opportunities. It is estimated that over 1 billion birds are killed annually by collisions with glass every year in the United States.
How can I stop birds from repeatedly hitting my windows?
Bird collisions with glass can occur for several reasons, reflection, transparency or for territory. Glass on our windows and doors can reflect surrounding vegetation or sky giving the illusion that it’s a landscape that birds can use. Transparency can also occur when a bird is able to see true habitat through a set of windows and perceives the space as a fly-through. For example, a transparency can occur at a corner where two panes of glass meet, or through a series of porch windows. Lastly, birds can hit glass because they see their reflection and believe another bird is encroaching on their territory.
There are simple, inexpensive, and attractive ways to help prevent any type of bird collision by making windows more visible to birds. To be effective, window patterns should be spaced in a 2-inch by 2-inch grid pattern and be placed on the outside of windows. For low-cost, temporary methods, individuals can make and hang a paracord bird curtain or create decorative patterns using tempera paint and stencils. For more long-term solutions, individuals can consider using dense decal markers (such as dots), external, or “fritted” glass that includes exterior patterns to make the glass visible to birds.
Learn More: Threats to Birds - Collisions (USFWS)
Related Content
I found (or killed) a bird with a band or color marker around its leg. What do I do?
Bird band information is an important tool that is used to monitor populations, set hunting regulations, restore endangered species, study effects of environmental contaminants, and address such issues as Avian Influenza, bird hazards at airports, and crop depredations. The North American Bird Banding Program is jointly administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Canadian Wildlife...
What is the North American Breeding Bird Survey?
The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a cooperative effort between the USGS and the Canadian Wildlife Service to monitor the status and trends of North American bird populations. Following a rigorous protocol, BBS data are collected by thousands of dedicated participants along thousands of randomly established roadside routes throughout the continent. Professional BBS coordinators and...
I have a bird feeder (or birdbath) in my yard. Am I putting myself and healthy birds at risk of West Nile Virus infection?
West Nile Virus is most often spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. However, it’s always a good idea to follow basic hygienic procedures. Birdbaths and feeders should be washed or disinfected regularly. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the baths/feeders. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property, empty and clean birdbaths at least once a week and...
How do scientists study avian influenza in wild birds?
To learn more about the impacts of avian influenza on wild birds and the role wild birds may play in the spread of the virus, experts from government agencies have gathered samples from hundreds of thousands of live-captured, apparently healthy wild birds, hunter-harvested birds, and dead wild birds of all species. Testing methods include analyses of fecal samples and swabs of the bird’s trachea...
Bird Collisions: Current Science and Future Opportunities
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center Bird Banding Lab webinar on the threat of bird collisions, current science and future opportunities. It is estimated that over 1 billion birds are killed annually by collisions with glass every year in the United States.
Old Growth May Help Protect Northwest Birds from Warming Temperatures
2017 September Evening Public Lecture — What's in a species name?
Title: What's in a species Name?: How wildlife management relies on modern systematics research and museum collections
* What have museum collections taught us about invasive diseases?
* When is an endangered species not a species?
* How can birds in a museum help protect airline passengers?
Title: What's in a species Name?: How wildlife management relies on modern systematics research and museum collections
* What have museum collections taught us about invasive diseases?
* When is an endangered species not a species?
* How can birds in a museum help protect airline passengers?
Golden Eagle Flight
Golden eagles can be killed by colliding with a number of human-made objects, including wind turbines. USGS research wildlife biologist Todd Katzner describes his studies of golden eagle flight. This research is being done to model flight behavior which might help managers understand how placement of wind turbines might pose significant risks to golden eagles.
Golden eagles can be killed by colliding with a number of human-made objects, including wind turbines. USGS research wildlife biologist Todd Katzner describes his studies of golden eagle flight. This research is being done to model flight behavior which might help managers understand how placement of wind turbines might pose significant risks to golden eagles.
Oregon Songbirds: Singing for Their Supper in Evergreen Forests
In this episode we sit down with USGS wildlife biologist Joan Hagar and discuss her recent study on songbirds in the Pacific Northwest. New research indicates a possible relationship between reductions in the abundance of some species of songbird and reductions in the amount of deciduous trees in evergreen forests.
In this episode we sit down with USGS wildlife biologist Joan Hagar and discuss her recent study on songbirds in the Pacific Northwest. New research indicates a possible relationship between reductions in the abundance of some species of songbird and reductions in the amount of deciduous trees in evergreen forests.
For the Birds: The Science Behind Recent Bird Die-Offs
With the New Year came a number of mass animal deaths across the country, including the 3-5,000 red-winged blackbirds that fell near Beebe, AR, beginning on New Year’s Eve. The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis.
With the New Year came a number of mass animal deaths across the country, including the 3-5,000 red-winged blackbirds that fell near Beebe, AR, beginning on New Year’s Eve. The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis.
Public Lecture: Wandering Wildlife: Tracking movement, migrations and mileage, from wolves to wading birds
link- Wildlife tracking technology has evolved from bird bands to satellite transmitters and has a wide range of applications in answering important conservation questions
- David Mech and Robert Gill will talk about the use of the latest state-of-the-art technology in tracking wildlife
Public Lecture: Wandering Wildlife: Tracking movement, migrations and mileage, from wolves to wading birds
link- Wildlife tracking technology has evolved from bird bands to satellite transmitters and has a wide range of applications in answering important conservation questions
- David Mech and Robert Gill will talk about the use of the latest state-of-the-art technology in tracking wildlife
three neotropical birds
Three neotropical birds (Left to right: Magnolia warbler, Wilson's warbler, Canada warbler - all males) that were cought in mist net for banding
Three neotropical birds (Left to right: Magnolia warbler, Wilson's warbler, Canada warbler - all males) that were cought in mist net for banding
Wind Energy: A Scare for Bats and Birds
Several USGS scientists are investigating the problem of fatal bat and bird collisions with wind turbines. USGS scientist and bat specialist Dr. Paul Cryan at the Fort Collins Science Center chats with Juliette Wilson about whether we can have our wind turbines and healthy populations of bats and birds too.
Several USGS scientists are investigating the problem of fatal bat and bird collisions with wind turbines. USGS scientist and bat specialist Dr. Paul Cryan at the Fort Collins Science Center chats with Juliette Wilson about whether we can have our wind turbines and healthy populations of bats and birds too.
Fitting a Bird with a Tiny Radio Transmitter
A captured bird is fitted with a tiny radio transmitter (designed to fall off after a few weeks) that allows it to be tracked, as well as gather data on the bird’s age, weight, fat load, wing size and shape, and general condition.
A captured bird is fitted with a tiny radio transmitter (designed to fall off after a few weeks) that allows it to be tracked, as well as gather data on the bird’s age, weight, fat load, wing size and shape, and general condition.
Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
Close up of a Costa's hummingbird perched on twig.
Close up of a Costa's hummingbird perched on twig.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
A male Blackbird perched on a grass stalk.
A male Blackbird perched on a grass stalk.
Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
A male Blackbird in field grass.
A male Blackbird in field grass.
Yellow-Headed Blackbird Fledgling.
Yellow-headed blackbird fledgling. This species is also recorded in the Bird Phenology Program cards.
Yellow-headed blackbird fledgling. This species is also recorded in the Bird Phenology Program cards.
Related Content
- FAQ
I found (or killed) a bird with a band or color marker around its leg. What do I do?
Bird band information is an important tool that is used to monitor populations, set hunting regulations, restore endangered species, study effects of environmental contaminants, and address such issues as Avian Influenza, bird hazards at airports, and crop depredations. The North American Bird Banding Program is jointly administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Canadian Wildlife...
What is the North American Breeding Bird Survey?
The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a cooperative effort between the USGS and the Canadian Wildlife Service to monitor the status and trends of North American bird populations. Following a rigorous protocol, BBS data are collected by thousands of dedicated participants along thousands of randomly established roadside routes throughout the continent. Professional BBS coordinators and...
I have a bird feeder (or birdbath) in my yard. Am I putting myself and healthy birds at risk of West Nile Virus infection?
West Nile Virus is most often spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. However, it’s always a good idea to follow basic hygienic procedures. Birdbaths and feeders should be washed or disinfected regularly. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the baths/feeders. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property, empty and clean birdbaths at least once a week and...
How do scientists study avian influenza in wild birds?
To learn more about the impacts of avian influenza on wild birds and the role wild birds may play in the spread of the virus, experts from government agencies have gathered samples from hundreds of thousands of live-captured, apparently healthy wild birds, hunter-harvested birds, and dead wild birds of all species. Testing methods include analyses of fecal samples and swabs of the bird’s trachea...
- Multimedia
Bird Collisions: Current Science and Future Opportunities
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center Bird Banding Lab webinar on the threat of bird collisions, current science and future opportunities. It is estimated that over 1 billion birds are killed annually by collisions with glass every year in the United States.
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center Bird Banding Lab webinar on the threat of bird collisions, current science and future opportunities. It is estimated that over 1 billion birds are killed annually by collisions with glass every year in the United States.
Old Growth May Help Protect Northwest Birds from Warming Temperatures
2017 September Evening Public Lecture — What's in a species name?Title: What's in a species Name?: How wildlife management relies on modern systematics research and museum collections
* What have museum collections taught us about invasive diseases?
* When is an endangered species not a species?
* How can birds in a museum help protect airline passengers?Title: What's in a species Name?: How wildlife management relies on modern systematics research and museum collections
* What have museum collections taught us about invasive diseases?
* When is an endangered species not a species?
* How can birds in a museum help protect airline passengers?
Golden Eagle FlightGolden eagles can be killed by colliding with a number of human-made objects, including wind turbines. USGS research wildlife biologist Todd Katzner describes his studies of golden eagle flight. This research is being done to model flight behavior which might help managers understand how placement of wind turbines might pose significant risks to golden eagles.
Golden eagles can be killed by colliding with a number of human-made objects, including wind turbines. USGS research wildlife biologist Todd Katzner describes his studies of golden eagle flight. This research is being done to model flight behavior which might help managers understand how placement of wind turbines might pose significant risks to golden eagles.
Oregon Songbirds: Singing for Their Supper in Evergreen ForestsIn this episode we sit down with USGS wildlife biologist Joan Hagar and discuss her recent study on songbirds in the Pacific Northwest. New research indicates a possible relationship between reductions in the abundance of some species of songbird and reductions in the amount of deciduous trees in evergreen forests.
In this episode we sit down with USGS wildlife biologist Joan Hagar and discuss her recent study on songbirds in the Pacific Northwest. New research indicates a possible relationship between reductions in the abundance of some species of songbird and reductions in the amount of deciduous trees in evergreen forests.
For the Birds: The Science Behind Recent Bird Die-OffsWith the New Year came a number of mass animal deaths across the country, including the 3-5,000 red-winged blackbirds that fell near Beebe, AR, beginning on New Year’s Eve. The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis.
With the New Year came a number of mass animal deaths across the country, including the 3-5,000 red-winged blackbirds that fell near Beebe, AR, beginning on New Year’s Eve. The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis.
Public Lecture: Wandering Wildlife: Tracking movement, migrations and mileage, from wolves to wading birdsPublic Lecture: Wandering Wildlife: Tracking movement, migrations and mileage, from wolves to wading birds
link- Wildlife tracking technology has evolved from bird bands to satellite transmitters and has a wide range of applications in answering important conservation questions
- David Mech and Robert Gill will talk about the use of the latest state-of-the-art technology in tracking wildlife
Public Lecture: Wandering Wildlife: Tracking movement, migrations and mileage, from wolves to wading birds
link- Wildlife tracking technology has evolved from bird bands to satellite transmitters and has a wide range of applications in answering important conservation questions
- David Mech and Robert Gill will talk about the use of the latest state-of-the-art technology in tracking wildlife
three neotropical birdsThree neotropical birds (Left to right: Magnolia warbler, Wilson's warbler, Canada warbler - all males) that were cought in mist net for banding
Three neotropical birds (Left to right: Magnolia warbler, Wilson's warbler, Canada warbler - all males) that were cought in mist net for banding
Wind Energy: A Scare for Bats and BirdsSeveral USGS scientists are investigating the problem of fatal bat and bird collisions with wind turbines. USGS scientist and bat specialist Dr. Paul Cryan at the Fort Collins Science Center chats with Juliette Wilson about whether we can have our wind turbines and healthy populations of bats and birds too.
Several USGS scientists are investigating the problem of fatal bat and bird collisions with wind turbines. USGS scientist and bat specialist Dr. Paul Cryan at the Fort Collins Science Center chats with Juliette Wilson about whether we can have our wind turbines and healthy populations of bats and birds too.
Fitting a Bird with a Tiny Radio TransmitterA captured bird is fitted with a tiny radio transmitter (designed to fall off after a few weeks) that allows it to be tracked, as well as gather data on the bird’s age, weight, fat load, wing size and shape, and general condition.
A captured bird is fitted with a tiny radio transmitter (designed to fall off after a few weeks) that allows it to be tracked, as well as gather data on the bird’s age, weight, fat load, wing size and shape, and general condition.
Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae)Close up of a Costa's hummingbird perched on twig.
Close up of a Costa's hummingbird perched on twig.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)A male Blackbird perched on a grass stalk.
A male Blackbird perched on a grass stalk.
Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)A male Blackbird in field grass.
A male Blackbird in field grass.
Yellow-Headed Blackbird Fledgling.Yellow-headed blackbird fledgling. This species is also recorded in the Bird Phenology Program cards.
Yellow-headed blackbird fledgling. This species is also recorded in the Bird Phenology Program cards.
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