There are a few possible reasons why birds might peck or tap on windows:
Looking for food
Birds may see their reflection in a window and think it’s another bird that might have food. The bird will peck at the glass trying to get the other “bird’s” attention and access any food it might have. This is more likely to happen in springtime when birds are more territorial and during migration seasons when food is scarcer.
Defending territory
A bird that sees its reflection may think it’s an intruder in its territory. It will peck aggressively at the window to scare the “other bird” away. This often happens in springtime when birds are establishing nesting areas and defending them from rivals.
Establishing dominance
In addition to defending territory, some species, particularly robins and cardinals, will incessantly peck at windows simply to establish themselves as the dominant bird in the area. The pecking serves as a warning to other birds not to intrude on their turf. This behavior ramps up in breeding season.
Confusion
Windows can appear invisible to birds. The reflection of trees, plants, and sky can make a window look just like open air to a bird. When they try to fly toward the “open air”, they end up just hitting glass. This understandably confuses birds who think they should have a clear path.
Attraction
Birds may see shiny objects, window treatments, or even their own reflection in a window and feel attracted to pecking at it. Something about the glass captivates them, almost like a pecking toy.
Why Pecking Can Be Problematic
While pecking behavior comes naturally to birds, it can create issues:
Injuries
Windows are hard and birds are often flying at full speed when they strike. This can injure their beak, head, wings, and body. Pecking repeatedly in the same spot can cause damage over time.
Window etching
The sharp, pointed beaks of birds can etch glass as they peck. This damages windows by leaving permanent cloudy streaks and weak points on the glass. Etching gets worse over time with repeated pecking.
Noise
The incessant tapping of birds on glass can become an annoying, disruptive noise, especially in early morning hours when trying to sleep. For homes and offices near bird territories, this can become a real nuisance.
Mess
Birds often peck at the same spots repeatedly. The dirt, fluids, and waste from their beaks can cake onto the glass and become difficult to remove. It’s unsightly and unhygienic. Droppings below the pecking area can also accumulate.
Specific Bird Species That Peck at Windows
While all birds may peck at windows on occasion, there are a few common species that are the most notorious glass peckers:
Bird | Characteristics |
---|---|
Robins | Very territorial, aggressive peckers, cause heavy damage |
Cardinals | Loud rapid peckers trying to establish dominance |
Woodpeckers | Looking for food and create deep etching marks |
Finches | See their reflection and peck in rapid bursts |
Chickadees | Fearless little birds that peck and screech |
These species are particularly prone to problematic pecking behavior because of their territorial nature, aggression, and small size which leads to repeated pecking in concentrated areas.
Solutions to Stop Birds Pecking Windows
If you’re dealing with an annoying or destructive glass pecker, there are some solutions to try:
Alter the reflection
Birds are often pecking at the reflection, so altering how the glass reflects can deter them. Try closing blinds, curtains, or shades to block reflections. Apply window tinting or stickers spaced closely together to change the glass appearance. Clean off any feeders or shiny objects near the window.
Scare devices
Use predator decoys like plastic owls or rubber snakes near the window. Hang strips of aluminum foil or reflective tape that move in the breeze to startle birds. Wind chimes can also scare them away.
Block the approach
If there are certain spots they repeatedly peck at, physically block that area so they can’t get a direct flight path to the glass. Install exterior screens or shutters that close off a narrow space between the glass and covering.
Apply anti-pecking gel
Clear gel products like Bird-X Transparent Bird Gel apply to the outside of the window and have a bitter taste to deter pecking. It makes pecking unpleasant but doesn’t harm birds. Reapply often.
DIY pecking deterrents
Homemade solutions like hanging bars of soap or spraying diluted vinegar can also work to stop bird pecking. Touches like sticking children’s wind socks or pinwheels that move in the breeze can also act as deterrents.
When to Call a Professional
For severe window pecking issues, it may be time to call in a professional company that specializes in humane bird and pest control. They have access to specialized products, techniques, and can identify problematic areas to develop a tailored solution. Professionals can also assess if there are any structural problems arising from damage.
Signs it’s time to call for professional help include:
Cracks or holes in the window
Any etching, pits, or cracks that compromise window structural integrity means professional help is needed. Damaged windows may need patching, sealing, or full replacement.
Failed DIY efforts
If you’ve tried numerous home remedies with no success reducing the pecking behavior over 2-3 weeks, bringing in an expert may be the next logical step. They have advanced skills.
New nests or droppings
Birds that start building nests near the window or leave heavy droppings indicates a serious territorial bird problem. Professionals can remove nests and properly clean waste.
Specialized bird species
For notoriously destructive bird types like woodpeckers and robins, calling pros right away can prevent thousands in window damage. They know effective species-specific deterrents.
Protecting Windows from Pecking Damage
To help minimize window pecking damage:
Install peck-resistant glass
For new window installations, glass types like acrylic that flex and have extra strength resist etching from repeated pecking. Talk to your installer.
Choose smaller pane sizes
Large glass expanses are more likely to attract birds. Divided window grids with smaller panes minimize reflective surface areas.
Avoid bird feeders near windows
Keep feeders, birdbaths, and nest boxes at least 5 feet from windows since closer proximity encourages window pecking.
Prune branches touching windows
Trim back any tree limbs and bushes directly touching windows. Birds can use those branches to launch directly at the glass.
Install exterior screens
Well-fitted, tightly woven exterior screens can create a buffer zone between birds and the glass to discourage pecking.
Conclusion
Birds pecking windows is a common nuisance, but can also cause real damage if left unchecked. Understanding the motives for pecking and trying some simple home deterrents can help end the problem. But if high-traffic areas or aggressive birds create cracked, etched windows, professional help and peck-resistant materials may be needed. With some awareness and proactive steps, you can protect your windows and have peace from incessant pecking.