Window Collisions Deadlier For Birds Than Previously Thought, Study Finds

A new study has revealed that collisions with windows are more deadly for birds than previously believed. While past studies mainly counted bird fatalities based on those who died upon impact, this new research found that about 60 percent of birds taken to wildlife hospitals after hitting a window end up dying. This brings the estimated total of bird deaths from window collisions in the US alone to more than a billion each year.

The study also found that more birds collide with buildings during the autumn migration, and artificial light at night exacerbates the problem by attracting birds to urban areas. To help reduce the number of collisions, making windows visible to birds using glass murals or markers can be effective. Turning off lights at night during bird migration seasons has also been shown to significantly decrease collision rates, with some cities participating in "Lights Out" campaigns to help protect birds.