Can a Bird Survive After Hitting a Window? Examining the Odds of Survival
Unfortunately, many birds do not survive window collisions. While immediate survival is possible, the likelihood of long-term survival significantly decreases due to internal injuries and neurological damage.
The seemingly innocuous glass window poses a significant threat to avian life. Every year, countless birds are injured or killed after colliding with windows. The problem stems from the fact that birds often perceive reflections in glass as open sky or vegetation, leading them to fly directly into the pane. This article will delve into the factors influencing a bird’s survival chances post-collision, the types of injuries sustained, and preventative measures that can be taken.
The Grim Reality of Window Strikes
Window collisions are a leading cause of bird mortality, second only to habitat loss. The numbers are staggering: estimates suggest that hundreds of millions, and potentially over a billion, birds die annually in the United States alone from window strikes. This devastating impact affects a wide range of species, including both migratory and resident birds, common backyard birds, and even rare and endangered species. The illusion created by reflective surfaces is a deadly trap that requires immediate attention and mitigation.
Factors Influencing Survival
Several factors determine whether a bird can survive after hitting a window:
- Severity of the Impact: The speed and force of the collision are critical. A hard, direct hit is far more likely to result in fatal injuries than a glancing blow.
- Size and Species of Bird: Smaller birds, like hummingbirds, might be more resilient to less forceful impacts, but even they are vulnerable to serious injuries. Larger birds, while seemingly stronger, may suffer more severe trauma due to their greater mass.
- Location of Impact: Head injuries are particularly dangerous and often result in immediate death or permanent neurological damage. Impacts to the chest can cause internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Birds that are already weakened by illness, starvation, or stress are less likely to survive a window strike.
- Immediate Care: Prompt and appropriate care can significantly increase a bird’s chances of survival.
Common Injuries Sustained in Window Collisions
Birds that can survive after hitting a window often suffer from a range of injuries, both visible and internal:
- Head Trauma: Concussions and brain hemorrhages are common. These can lead to neurological problems, such as disorientation, seizures, and inability to fly or feed.
- Internal Bleeding: Impacts can rupture internal organs, leading to slow or rapid death.
- Fractures: Broken wings, legs, and clavicles are frequent injuries.
- Eye Damage: Trauma to the eyes can cause blindness or impaired vision.
- Feather Damage: While less serious, damaged feathers can impair flight ability and insulation.
What to Do if You Find a Bird That Has Hit a Window
If you encounter a bird that has collided with a window, follow these steps carefully:
- Approach Slowly and Carefully: The bird is likely in shock and may be frightened. Avoid sudden movements.
- Assess the Situation: Observe the bird for any obvious injuries, such as broken wings or bleeding.
- Contain the Bird: Gently scoop the bird up and place it in a cardboard box lined with soft paper towels. Ensure the box has air holes. This prevents the bird from attempting to fly and further injuring itself.
- Keep it Dark and Quiet: Reduce stress by keeping the box in a dark, quiet place away from pets and children.
- Do Not Offer Food or Water: If the bird is concussed, it could aspirate food or water, which can be fatal.
- Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: This is the most crucial step. Search online for licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area. They have the expertise and resources to properly assess and treat injured birds. They will determine if the bird can survive after hitting a window.
- Transport the Bird: Carefully transport the bird to the rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Preventative Measures to Protect Birds from Window Strikes
The best approach is to prevent window strikes in the first place. Here are some effective strategies:
- Break up Reflections:
- Apply decals, stickers, or window films to the exterior of the glass.
- Use patterns or designs that are visible to birds. The denser the pattern, the more effective it will be.
- Hang external screens or netting in front of the windows.
- Reduce Reflections:
- Angle windows downwards to reflect the ground instead of the sky.
- Use awnings or overhangs to reduce the amount of sunlight reflecting off the glass.
- Move indoor plants away from windows to reduce the attractiveness of the reflection.
- External Shutters/Screens: External shutters and screens are particularly effective. These provide a physical barrier and eliminate reflections altogether.
- Netting: Hanging netting a few inches in front of the window is a cost-effective and humane deterrent.
Understanding Bird Vision
Understanding how birds perceive the world is crucial to preventing window strikes. Birds have excellent vision, but they struggle to understand reflections. They often perceive reflections of trees, sky, or other vegetation as real, leading them to fly directly into the glass. Birds primarily detect patterns through movement and UV light reflection, therefore window patterns and treatments that break up reflections, even if faint to humans, can be very effective.
The Ethical Responsibility
We have an ethical responsibility to protect birds from the preventable threat of window collisions. By taking simple preventative measures, we can significantly reduce the number of bird injuries and deaths. Implementing bird-safe practices in our homes and buildings is a crucial step in protecting avian biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a bird fly away immediately after hitting a window and still be injured?
Yes, a bird can fly away immediately after hitting a window and still be injured. Even if the bird appears unharmed, it may have sustained internal injuries, such as a concussion or internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, but they can be fatal. It’s crucial to monitor any bird that has struck a window, even if it flies away.
How common are fatal window strikes?
Fatal window strikes are extremely common. As mentioned earlier, estimates suggest that hundreds of millions to over a billion birds die annually in the United States alone from window collisions. This makes window strikes a leading cause of bird mortality.
What are the best types of window decals for preventing bird strikes?
The best types of window decals are those that create a dense, patterned coverage of the window surface. Solid shapes, closely spaced lines, or patterns that are visible in the ultraviolet spectrum are highly effective. Avoid using single, widely spaced decals, as birds may still attempt to fly between them.
Does window film really work to prevent bird strikes?
Yes, window film can be very effective in preventing bird strikes, particularly if it is designed to break up reflections. Look for films that have a patterned design or that are visible to birds in the ultraviolet spectrum. The effectiveness of window film depends on its pattern density and visibility to birds.
Are certain types of windows more dangerous for birds?
Yes, large, reflective windows are particularly dangerous for birds, as are windows that offer a clear view of vegetation or the sky. Windows that are positioned in line with migratory flyways also pose a greater risk.
What is the most humane way to deter birds from flying into windows?
The most humane ways to deter birds from flying into windows involve breaking up reflections or creating a physical barrier. This includes using decals, window films, external screens, netting, or angled windows. These methods prevent collisions without harming the birds.
How long should I keep a bird in a box after it hits a window?
You should keep a bird in a box after it hits a window until you can transport it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. The purpose of the box is to prevent further injury and reduce stress. Do not attempt to keep the bird longer than necessary without professional care.
Can I give a bird water or food after it hits a window?
It is generally not recommended to give a bird water or food after it hits a window, especially if it appears disoriented or injured. The bird could aspirate the food or water, which can be fatal. Wait for the wildlife rehabilitator to assess the bird’s condition and provide appropriate care.
What if I find a baby bird that has hit a window?
If you find a baby bird that has hit a window, follow the same guidelines as for an adult bird. Contain the bird in a box and contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Baby birds are particularly vulnerable and require specialized care.
Do window strikes only happen during the day?
While window strikes are more common during the day, they can also happen at night, especially in urban areas with bright lights. Artificial light can attract birds and disorient them, increasing the risk of collisions.
Is it possible to rehabilitate a bird that has suffered a head injury from a window strike?
It is possible to rehabilitate a bird that has suffered a head injury from a window strike, but the success rate depends on the severity of the injury. Wildlife rehabilitators can provide supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and medication, to help the bird recover. However, some head injuries may result in permanent neurological damage that prevents the bird from being released back into the wild.
Are there any government programs that address the issue of bird window strikes?
While there are no specific widespread federal programs solely dedicated to bird window strikes, various initiatives are underway. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works to protect migratory birds, and many cities and states have adopted bird-friendly building guidelines. Furthermore, organizations like the American Bird Conservancy advocate for policies and practices that reduce bird mortality from window collisions. Support for these organizations and advocacy for bird-friendly building practices are crucial for addressing this issue on a larger scale.