Why Do Pigeons Fly Into Windows? Reasons And Preventive Steps
Pigeons sometimes fly into windows. This might be disturbing and irritating for people. You must take preventive measures by understanding why they do it.
So, why do pigeons fly into windows? Generally, pigeons mistakenly believe that the window is an open space due to distorted reflections of trees and the sky. Pigeons unintentionally fly through glass, mistaking it for a passageway. So, you can say it is an accident, which might be deadly in some cases.
Some other probable reasons are also associated with this accident. Here, we’ll outline all the possible causes and explain how you can stop these unfortunate accidents from happening.
Why Do Pigeons Fly Into Windows?
There are so many reasons why pigeons try to fly into windows. Here they are-
Accidentally
When a pigeon is flying around and sees its reflection in the window, it can easily mistake it for open space or a landing spot.
This confusion can lead to fatal mistakes if the bird continues on its course, resulting in a collision with the window.
Attraction
Pigeons may be attracted to light sources near windows or drawn to open curtains due to their natural curiosity.
Other contributing factors include bright colors and patterns that are visible through windows. For example, flowery wallpaper or designs painted on glass panes.
Even if these decorations are only visible from inside the home, they can still attract birds looking for food or nesting sites.
Disorientation
Some birds may become disoriented when flying over unfamiliar structures such as skyscrapers. As a result, they may fly into windows in an attempt to escape back outside.
Urban Sprawl
Urban sprawl is another factor contributing to this phenomenon. When wild places are replaced with tall buildings, there may be fewer safe spots for pigeons to land in due to limited access points between them.
This can force pigeons onto lower levels where they are more likely to run into reflective glass surfaces and other hazardous obstacles like antennas and air shafts.
Poor vision
Although pigeons’ eyesight is better than humans’, poor vision could also play a role in why pigeons fly into windows. Since birds rely on their keen eyesight for navigation while in flight, any decrease in vision can easily lead them astray and dangerously toward windows instead away from them.
The same goes for young birds who have yet to develop sharp visual acuity. They may be more prone to misjudging distances and mistaking reflections than more experienced avians would be.
Pigeons’ Attempts To Fly Into Windows: How Much Deadly?
The damage can range from mild to severe. On one end of the spectrum, minor bruises or bumps may result from a collision with minimal damage to the bird or the window.
In more extreme cases, however, broken wings or legs are common injuries that can lead to death if left untreated.
Additionally, even if no physical harm is done to either party involved in the accident, there is still potential for psychological trauma. Birds may become scared of windows after such an incident and try to avoid them altogether in future encounters.
Pigeons hitting windows can also cause expensive damage. Fixing or repairing broken glass can be costly depending on the bird’s size, strength, and window type (single-pane or double-pane). In addition, treating an injured bird may require diagnostics, surgery, medication, and monitoring fees.
Do Pigeons Die When They Hit Windows?
We all know how tragic it can be when a pigeon collides with the window, often resulting in death. Studies show that each year, window collisions take the lives of between 365 million and 1 billion birds in the US alone – a tragedy considering that this includes pigeons as well.
As a passionate bird lover or pigeon owner, you must know that windows can be hazardous for your pet. The reflection of light from glass is enough to disorient and confuse birds. On the other hand, thick windowpanes make it difficult for them to identify an obstacle ahead.
Sadly, these two factors together often result in birds crashing into glass inadvertently. To prevent these tragic occurrences, you must take steps we will discuss later.
How To Prevent Pigeons From Flying Into Windows? Steps to Take
If you want to prevent pigeons from flying into windows, follow the step-by-step guidelines discussed here.
Step 1: Installation of Window Protection Netting
One of the most effective ways to prevent pigeons from flying into windows is to install netting over window sills. This type of netting is lightweight, usually made of nylon and polyester mesh. And they are designed to be unobtrusive against the window frame.
It can be easily installed around the window sill with simple tools and will act as a deterrent for any birds that try to fly into windows. In this case you must know what to do and what not to do.
The material is non-toxic and easy to clean, making it an ideal solution for both residential and commercial buildings.
Step 2: Covering Glass Surfaces When Birds Are Present
When birds are present near windowed surfaces, it’s important to keep all glass surfaces covered. This is to minimize the potential risks of an accident occurring between humans and feral pigeons alike.
Window coverings such as blinds, curtains, or shades can be used in combination with netting between a bird and a window pane.
Additionally, placing reflective stickers on surfaces where they may be able to see their reflection can also help deter them from flying into the glass.
Step 3: Habitat Modifications:
Pigeons are attracted to human habitats because they offer shelter, food sources, water sources, and safety from predators. Remove potential nesting spots like ledges on building facades or trees nearby that may provide roosting capabilities. It will make your property less attractive for these birds.
Removing any standing water sources like pools or ponds will also help reduce habitat attractiveness for these birds.
Step 4: Avoid Feeding the Birds
Avoid feeding wild birds or leaving food sources unattended in areas where pigeons are present. Not only will it attract more birds to the area, but it can also lead to aggressive behavior from these animals as they compete for resources.
With that said, if you feed the birds, always do it in an open area away from windows. Monitor the activity to ensure that birds aren’t congregating near windowed surfaces for easy access to food.
Step 5: Regular Maintenance
Once preventive steps have been taken, don’t forget to keep them in good shape so that they continue to work.
This includes-
- Periodically checking for any holes in the netting material which could allow birds through
- Cleaning reflective stickers if needed so that they remain visible enough for birds
- Replacing damaged blinds or curtains if needed for them to maintain their protective qualities against collisions with windows
FAQs
There are some other common questions that people have on this subject, which we’ll answer here.
When birds fly into windows, it is called “bird strikes.” This term paints an interesting picture of how the unexpected encounter between avian and inanimate objects can feel to those involved.
Although this phenomenon – which is fairly common and caused predominantly by windows that reflect the open sky – may seem trivial, it poses a risk to both parties.
There are several ways to deter pigeons from windows. For example, hanging a fake plastic or metal hawk or owl from the window scares pigeons. Lining the window sill with thin, glossy material like aluminum foil or vinyl tape will also deter birds.
Conclusion
Don’t let accidents befall your feathered friends! Pigeons trying to fly into windows is a surefire way for them to meet their demise.
To protect these birds, you must take the necessary precautions and maintain preventive measures, such as installing deterrents on your windows. Doing so can help ensure our avian companions stay safe from accidental collisions with glass surfaces in the future!
