Birds accidentally flying into windows is an unfortunate but common occurrence. Windows can appear invisible to birds in flight, causing deadly collisions. If you find a bird has hit one of your windows, remain calm and take action to give the bird the best chance of survival.
Assess the Situation Quickly
When you discover a bird has hit a window, assess the situation as rapidly as possible. Look to see if the bird is still alive and breathing. Also check if the bird seems to have any obvious injuries, like bleeding or broken wings or legs. Understanding the condition of the bird will guide your next actions.
Here are quick answers to common questions about assessing an injured bird:
Is the bird alive?
Look for any signs of movement or breathing to see if the bird is still alive. If you don’t see any movement, you may need to gently prod the bird to provoke a response.
Is the bird bleeding or injured?
Check if there are any apparent wounds, like bleeding from the beak or mouth. Also look for any twisted or bent wings or legs which could indicate fractures.
Is the bird stunned or unconscious?
The impact may have just stunned the bird temporarily. If the bird seems alive but is not moving much, it may be stunned or unconscious.
Move the Bird to a Safe Location
If the bird is still alive, it will be in a vulnerable state outside your home. Cats, dogs and other predators may attack the injured bird. Move it to a sheltered spot where it can recover safely.
Here are quick tips for moving an injured bird:
Use a cardboard box or towel
Use a small cardboard box, paper bag or towel to move the bird. Avoid touching injured birds with your bare hands.
Check for fractures
If the bird has any obvious leg or wing fractures, take extra care not to exacerbate the injuries during the move.
Minimize stress
Move the bird gently and smoothly to minimize stress and further injury.
Use garden gloves
Wear thick gloves if you need to handle the bird directly, for protection from claws and beak.
Provide a Safe Recovery Space
The bird will need a temporary place to recover before being released back into the wild. Here are tips for creating a safe space:
Use a pet carrier, crate or box
Place the bird in a pet carrier, small animal crate or cardboard box. Line it with a towel for comfort.
Choose a quiet spot
Pick a quiet, peaceful area away from other pets, children and noise.
Ensure proper ventilation
Make sure the recovery space allows air flow. Don’t seal the bird in tightly.
Monitor closely
Check on the bird every 15-20 minutes to see if its condition is improving.
Give the Bird Time to Recover
Once moved to a safe enclosure, give the stunned or injured bird adequate time to rest and recover. Here is how long to wait before taking next steps:
2-4 hours for observation
Allow a minimum of 2-4 hours for an injured bird to regain consciousness and equilibrium.
24 hours if concussed
Birds with minor head trauma may need 24 hours to recuperate before release.
24+ hours if fractured
Birds with more serious injuries like wing or leg fractures may require a day or more of recovery time.
Consider professional help
If the bird is still struggling after an extended recovery period, contact a wildlife rehabilitation expert for guidance.
Provide Food and Water
Supply the recovering bird with essential provisions like food and water:
Food | Water |
---|---|
Wild bird seed mix | Shallow bowl of fresh water |
Chopped fruit | Water droplets with eyedropper |
Mealworms | Soaked crumbled bread |
Introduce provisions gradually once the bird regains alertness. Avoid overfeeding injured birds.
Check for Long-Term Injuries
Before releasing the bird back into the wild, assess whether it has recovered fully. Here are signs of lingering injuries or issues:
Weakness or inability to perch
Healthy birds can grip branches firmly. Weakness could indicate lingering injury.
Failure to fly
Check if wings seem strong enough for normal flight and takeoff.
Wounds or scabs
External wounds need to fully heal before release.
Favoring one leg
Put weight on each foot to check for hidden fractures.
Disorientation
The bird may still be concussed if it seems dizzy or confused.
Assist the Bird’s Return to Nature
If the bird has made a full recovery, it’s time to help it safely transition back to the outdoors. Here’s how:
Select good weather
Release when sunny, calm and above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choose appropriate habitat
Release near trees, shrubs, etc. suitable for that bird species to shelter in.
Release during daylight
Best time is morning when the bird is alert and can search for food.
Open enclosure near cover
Open cage, box or carrier near bushes, trees or shrubs the bird can escape into.
Watch the bird fly off
Make sure the bird is strong enough to fly up into trees before leaving the area.
Get Professional Help if Needed
If the bird is still injured, weak, or unable to fly after 48 hours, get expert assistance. Here are options:
Contact wildlife rehabilitators
Licensed wildlife rehab experts can provide advanced medical treatment.
Surrender to an animal hospital
Avian veterinarians at animal hospitals can x-ray for fractures and treat injuries.
Deliver to animal control
Animal control may transport the bird to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
Look for wildlife centers
Nature centers focused on indigenous animals often have wildlife rehab services.
Prevent Future Window Collisions
After caring for an injured bird, take proactive steps to help prevent future window strikes:
Apply decals to glass
Decorative decals, strips or patterns on windows deter bird impacts.
Install external screens
Physical barriers like exterior screens can eliminate reflections.
Use UV liquid
UV-reflective liquid films make glass more visible to birds.
Keep lights off at night
Darkened windows do not disorient birds in flight.
Reduce vegetation near glass
Cut back plants around windows so birds have a clear flight path.
Conclusion
Birds often collide accidentally with home windows, but there are steps you can take to assist injured birds and help their recovery. Assess the bird’s condition, move it to a quiet protected space, monitor its recovery, and provide supportive care. If fully healed, the bird can be released back to its natural habitat. Prevent future strikes by making windows more visible. With some basic training, you can intervene after a bird hits a window and improve its chances of survival.