Bird-Friendly Buildings

Glass & Bright Lights? Deadly for Birds.

Each year, millions of birds die in preventable window collisions and light confusion during migration.

Every autumn, as many as 4 billion birds migrate south from Canada into the U.S. every autumn, while 4.7 billion birds head to the tropics from the U.S., during this time.

Unfortunately, as many as a billion birds are killed by window strikes in the U.S. alone. This does not include the millions of birds who are stunned or injured after collisions.

Applied window films, like these lined ones at Buffalo Audubon’s Trillium Nature Center, help interrupt large, expansive windows birds can mistake for open sky.

Tips for Bird-Safe Buildings & Windows

Making our homes and businesses safer for birds doesn’t have to be a lofty goal that’s out of reach.

Here’s how to make our homes, offices, and communities more bird-friendly:

1. Add decals or screens to large glass windows.

Why this helps: By interrupting large, expanses of glass with, birds no longer mistake windows with the night sky—reducing collisions and promoting safer travel for birds.

2. Move indoor plants away from glass.

Why this helps: When birds see greenery, they interpret this as being a safe place to land. Moving plants away from windows helps reduce this collision risk.

3. Turn off non-essential lights, especially during migration seasons.

Why this helps: Artificial lights left on at night confuse and disorient birds, drawing them toward bright buildings and windows. Going Lights Out reduces this risk.

4. Advocate for bird-safe design in your community.

Why this helps: Attending local forums and events (like those at Buffalo Audubon Society), having conversations in your community, and advocating to political leaders all makes a difference.

Interested in making your home or business more bird-friendly?

Schedule a program with one of our experts!
Together, we’ll explore tangible ways to make your home, business, or community safer for birds.

book a program with us

More Resources:

Plus, explore these additional resources to learn more about simple solutions for your windows,
including applicable films, paracord curtains, and more.