There are a few possible reasons why a magpie might be tapping on your window:
Trying to attack its reflection
Magpies are highly territorial birds and very defensive of their nesting areas. If your window is reflecting the magpie’s image back at itself, it may see its reflection as an intruding rival and try to scare it away by pecking at the window. This is a common cause of window tapping by magpies. They will often spend hours attacking what they believe is another magpie infringing on their territory.
Foraging for food
Magpies are omnivorous and opportunistic foragers. If they have spotted some food inside near the window, such as crumbs or insects, they may be tapping on the glass trying to get to it. The reflection of the outdoors in the window can also confuse them into thinking there is food on the other side.
Warning intruders away from the nest
If the magpie has built a nest nearby, tapping on the window could be its way of trying to scare away any potential predators or threats to its nest. The window vibrations created by the tapping may deter other animals from approaching the area. Mother magpies are especially defensive of their nests and will aggressively try to drive away anything perceived as a risk.
Why do magpies tap so persistently on windows?
Once a magpie starts attacking its reflection, the behavior can become compulsive. Each time it taps on the window and sees its reflection recoil, it believes it has scared off the intruder and is rewarded. This reinforces the behavior, causing the magpie to repeat it obsessively in an attempt to train the intruding bird not to return.
The persistent tapping may also be a result of the frustrated nest defense response triggering obsessive protective behavior. The magpie likely knows the tapping does not make the reflected magpie go away entirely, so it continues trying again and again.
Additionally, the reflective properties of glass can distort images in unusual ways that may further confuse the magpie and drive the compulsive tapping response.
How to stop a magpie from tapping on your window
Here are some tips to deter magpies from tapping on your windows:
Block the reflection
Installing a physical barrier that blocks the magpie’s reflection can instantly solve the problem. Options include:
- Exterior screens
- Decals and window film
- Sun catchers and window ornaments
- Drawing curtains or blinds
Any break in the reflection removes the perceived threat and signal for the magpie to attack.
Scare devices
Making the area feel unsafe can discourage magpie activity. Strategically place scare devices that startle or frighten them such as:
- Fake predator decoys like hawk or owl figures
- Flashing lights
- Aluminum pans that clatter in the wind
- Reflective tape that moves in the breeze
Remove food sources
Eliminating any rewarding food sources around the window removes the foraging incentive to tap. Make sure outer window sills and frames are kept free of crumbs and insects.
Use repellents
Applying bird repellent gels or liquids along the window frame can deter tapping. The sticky, uncomfortable texture provides an unpleasant tapping surface. However, weather may impact effectiveness. Reapplication is needed after rain or snow.
When to seek professional help
In extreme cases where the magpie tapping is damaging windows or becomes an excessive nuisance, seeking professional help from a wildlife control expert may be warranted. They can perform a site evaluation and determine if relocating or removing the problematic magpie is necessary. Most wildlife authorities prefer to use non-lethal methods of control first.
Conclusion
Magpies are highly territorial birds hardwired to defend their nesting zones from any perceived threats. Windows can trigger aggressive tapping behavior by reflecting back a rival image or presenting an obstacle to nest defense. While magpies will often lose interest and move on over time, taps can become compulsive without intervention. There are several effective DIY solutions like blocking reflections or using deterrents that provide a permanent and humane fix to stop magpie window tapping. But serious cases may require professional wildlife management. Understanding the root causes of this behavior helps explain why magpies fixate on windows and how to prevent clashes with these intelligent and striking birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year do magpies tap on windows?
Magpie tapping increases during spring and summer when they are establishing nesting territories and raising young. Males tap more aggressively as they defend breeding sites. Tapping typically decreases in winter months when magpies are not as territorial.
Why do magpies attack their own reflection?
Magpies are highly territorial and will defend their nest areas from intruders. When they see their reflection in windows or mirrors, they mistake it for another magpie invading their territory and attack the reflected image to try and drive it away. They are unable to recognize their own reflection.
Do magpie taps on windows damage the glass?
It’s unlikely magpie taps will significantly damage or break modern double-glazed windows. The taps do not have enough force to shatter the glass. However, prolonged tapping in the same spot may eventually cause light scratching of the exterior glass surface over time.
Should I be concerned about magpie window tapping?
Magpies are classified as nuisance birds rather than posing any real danger. The main concerns with magpie tapping are the bothersome noise and potential light damage to windows over many repeat attacks. It does not typically warrant major worries, but solutions to stop the tapping behavior are recommended.
How close to a window can a magpie nest be?
Magpies may nest 20-50 feet from a building in trees or tall bushes. Nests are often high up around 30 feet above ground. While not common, they occasionally build nests on window ledges or fire escapes if suitable sheltered sites are limited.
Key Facts About Magpie Window Tapping
Cause | Description |
---|---|
Territorial defense | Attacking its reflected image it sees as a rival magpie |
Nest protection | Trying to drive threats away from its nest |
Foraging | Trying to get at potential food seen through the window |
Seasonal Pattern | Explanation |
---|---|
Most frequent in spring & summer | Breeding season drives territorial tapping |
Decreases in winter | Lessened territory defense in non-breeding months |
Solution | Method |
---|---|
Block reflection | Window screens, decals, ornaments |
Deter with scare devices | Predator decoys, flashing lights |
Remove food rewards | Clean window sills of crumbs/insects |