Bird Flying into House

Birds flying into houses are a common occurrence, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating or worrisome for homeowners. It can be disheartening to find a bird inside your home, especially if the bird is injured or has died. In this article, we will explore the reasons why birds fly into houses and how you can prevent these incidents from happening in the future.

Reasons Why Birds Fly Into Houses

There are several reasons why birds may fly into houses:

1. Reflections: One of the most common reasons is that birds mistake reflections for open sky. Windows, especially those with large panes or tinted glass, can create a mirror-like surface that confuses birds. They see their own reflection and think it’s an opportunity to fly through the “open” space.
2. Attracted by Lighting: Bright lights inside your house can also attract birds. During dusk or dawn when visibility is low, birds may be drawn towards the light coming from your windows, making them collide with your windowpanes.
3. Foraging and Nesting: Some birds fly into houses searching for food or nesting spots. They might see your house as a suitable place to look for insects or build nests.
4. Disorientation: Young birds may become disoriented while learning to navigate their environment. This can lead them to stumble upon human-made structures like houses.
5. Migration: Migratory birds sometimes lose their way during long flights, causing them to seek refuge in the nearest structure.

Preventing Birds From Flying Into Houses

Here are some ways you can prevent birds from flying into your house:

1. Cover Reflections: Use window decals or blinds to reduce the visibility of reflections on windows. You can also use netting, screens, or decals designed specifically for this purpose.
2. Install Bird Feeders: By providing food outside your home, you discourage birds from entering your house in search of sustenance. Make sure the feeder is not too close to the building, though, as it may still attract them.
3. Turn Off Lights: During times when birds are most active (dawn and dusk), turn off any unnecessary indoor or outdoor lights. This reduces the attraction of brightly lit windows.
4. Exclude Nesting Spaces: Keep your gutters clean, trim overhanging branches near your house, and cover chimneys to remove potential nesting sites.
5. Install Deterrents: You can use visual or auditory deterrents such as bird spikes, hawk silhouettes, ultrasonic devices, or recorded bird distress calls to discourage birds from flying too close.
6. Use Netting or Screens: Install netting or screens on your windows to create a physical barrier that prevents birds from colliding with them.
7. Consider Bird-Safe Window Film: If none of the above options suit you, consider installing bird-safe window films or coatings, which make windows less reflective and more visible to birds.

In conclusion, understanding why birds fly into houses is essential for implementing effective prevention measures. By taking simple steps like covering reflections, providing outdoor food sources, and using deterrents, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of these incidents occurring in your home. Remember that every action we take towards reducing bird collisions also helps protect our feathered friends from harm.