Why Do Pigeons Fly Into Windows? The Surprising Reasons and Solutions
Birds have poor depth perception and are unable to recognize glass as a solid barrier. They may perceive the reflection of trees or the sky on the window as an inviting place to fly into or land, leading to a collision.
Aggressive behavior during the breeding season and attraction to plants or bird feeders inside the house may also contribute to window strikes.
This article aims to examine the root causes of bird window strikes, assess the detrimental effects of such collisions, and present effective strategies to prevent them. Without further ado, let’s begin.
What Causes Pigeons to Fly Into Windows?
Alright, folks! Now, I’m going to talk about a common sight that many of us may have witnessed: pigeons flying straight into windows. It can be a startling experience, and you might wonder why these birds do such a thing. Let’s dive into the reasons behind it.
The Bird’s Vision
These birds have excellent vision, which allows them to fly with precision and avoid obstacles in their way. However, their vision may fail them when it comes to identifying clear or reflective glass. They perceive the reflection as open space and, thus, fly straight into the window. This is because their eyes can’t differentiate between a reflection and an actual open space.
Territorial Behavior
Due to their territorial nature, pigeons can be aggressive toward other birds they perceive as a danger. They can mistake their reflection for another bird as they fly near the window and crash into the glass.
Migratory Habits
Pigeons are known for their migratory habits, and during their migration, they may get disoriented by urban landscapes. When flying in a flock, they tend to follow the lead bird, and if that bird is headed toward a reflective window, the rest of the flock may follow and end up colliding with the glass.
Are Pigeons Attracted to Houses Because of the Reflection on Windows?
Pigeons’ attraction to houses is a common phenomenon observed in urban areas. Some speculate that pigeons are drawn to houses due to reflections on windows. The glass surfaces may create illusions of available perching spots or companion birds. However, factors such as shelter, food sources, and safety also influence pigeons’ choice of dwelling places.
How Does This Behavior Affect Pigeons?
The act of pigeons colliding with windows can trigger a range of deleterious consequences that adversely impact their well-being and longevity. A plethora of adverse outcomes may arise from this conduct, including:
Physical Injury
When pigeons fly into windows, they can injure themselves in several ways. The impact can cause broken wings, legs, or even death. Additionally, the stress of the impact can also lead to internal injuries, which can be fatal.
Disorientation
Pigeons rely on their sight to navigate and find food, water, and shelter. When they fly into a window, they can become disoriented and confused, which can make it difficult for them to find their way back to their nesting site. This can cause them to become lost and vulnerable to predators, starvation, and dehydration.
Nesting Failure
Due to their sociable nature, pigeons frequently reside in big flocks. The dynamics of the flock may be significantly impacted when a pigeon is hurt or dies after flying into a window.
They collaborate to nurture their kids and form lifelong partnerships. The other pigeon may find it difficult to care for its young if one of the partners is hurt or dies, which may result in nest failure and reduced reproductive success.
Population Decline
Due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting, pigeon populations are already declining. Another aspect that may be contributing to their population decline is window collisions. The entire health and viability of the population can be significantly impacted by the loss of even a small percentage of them.
What Are Some Solutions for Preventing Pigeons from Flying Into Windows?
Preventing window strikes is crucial to protect both pigeons and our property. Here are some measures we can take:
Install bird-friendly window treatments
Certain window treatments like screens or films can be installed on windows to make them more visible to birds. These treatments work by breaking up the reflection or making the window appear opaque.
Place decals or stickers on windows
Windows can also be made more visible to birds by applying stickers or decals. To provide a clear barrier for the birds, you must, however, put them close together.
Use exterior shading devices
The implementation of external shading mechanisms such as awnings or shades can substantially mitigate the level of reflection on windows, thereby diminishing the prospect of their assimilation with the surrounding atmosphere.
Move feeders and baths away from windows
If you have bird feeders or bird baths near your windows, move them to a different location. This will reduce the number of birds near the windows and minimize the risk of collisions.
Bird Netting
To keep birds out of the area near the window, bird netting is a mesh-like material that is fastened to the outside of the structure. Since it is often built of strong materials and is almost unnoticeable, the building’s aesthetics are not affected.
Keep the windows clean
Maintaining a clear and unobstructed view through windows can serve as a viable measure toward mitigating the likelihood of bird collisions.
The accumulation of debris or grime upon glass surfaces can cause reflective manifestations of the environment, leading to avian confusion and subsequent collision with the seemingly transparent barrier.
Striving to uphold a clean and transparent facade is therefore paramount in ensuring the safety and well-being of local avian populations.
Move houseplants away from windows
To minimize the potentiality of window collisions, it is highly recommended to relocate houseplants from window sills as they have been known to draw in avian species.
Conclusion
Pigeons flying into windows is a common and often tragic occurrence. While it may seem like an unavoidable part of urban life, there are measures that can be taken to prevent window strikes and protect these birds.
Effective measures to prevent window strikes can be taken through various means, such as installing window decals or using blinds. Collaborating to increase awareness of this concern and taking proactive steps can create a safer and ecologically sound urban setting for both humans and pigeons.