Last updated on May 22nd, 2023 at 10:38 pm
Bird collisions with windows are very common, especially when a feeder is in the wrong place. You might wonder whether a window bird feeder is safe or if it causes collisions, so should you have one or not?
Window bird feeders are safe for birds. They’re typically close enough to the glass that the birds can’t catch enough speed to do any damage when they fly away. The most dangerous place to put a bird feeder is 15-30 feet away from a window, in which case collisions would be more likely.
Why Window Feeders Are Safe for Birds
Window feeders are safe for birds because birds leaving the feeder can’t gather enough momentum to hit the window at dangerous speeds.
Ideally, your feeder should be within 3 feet of the window to ensure that this is the case.
Alternatively, you could put your feeder very far away from any windows.
Most bird collisions with windows happen when a feeder is 15-30 feet away from a window.
If you put them further away than that, it can be safer for the birds.
Benefits of Window Feeders for Birds
In addition to being safe for birds, window feeders are beneficial because they allow you to see birds up close without startling them.
You’ll be able to observe and identify species, and you’ll notice when the feeder is low on food and needs to be refilled.
Best Window Bird Feeders 2021
There are numerous window bird feeders for sale on Amazon.com, the best of which are listed below.
These feeders are safe, easy to use, and compatible with most kinds of birdseed.
Aspects Window Mount Bird Feeder
This feeder from Aspects provides a clean and safe feeding experience for your birds.
The feeder has suction cups to attach to a window and has an easy-to-remove body so that you can clean and refill your feeder without trouble.
Wild Birds of Joy Window Bird Feeder
This transparent feeder has a budget-friendly price.
This small, transparent feeder is great for feeding seed-eating birds like cardinals, woodpeckers, and sparrows, among many other kinds of birds.
This feeder attaches to the window with two suction cups and has an easy access tray for refills.
Nature Anywhere Window Bird House Feeder
This window feeder comes with four big suction cups to hold it securely to any window.
It has a sliding seed tray for easy refills and has a large plastic roof that covers the seeds and the birds.
The birds can perch and eat in peace, even during the wind and the rain.
How To Keep Birds From Crashing Into Your Windows
Besides keeping your feeder close to the window, there are numerous things you can do to make bird collisions less likely.
Two of the best ways to do this are to use treated glass in your windows and to add window decals.
You can also stop bird collisions by adding soap or tempera paint to your windows, provided that you don’t mind how it looks.
Other methods for reducing bird collisions with windows include using reflective tape and installing screens or netting.
Let’s take a closer look at these methods.
Treated Glass
You can purchase glass specially treated or patterned to make the glass visible to birds.
That way, birds can see the glass as a solid object rather than flying into it.
This option is usually more expensive, but it also is very efficient and effective over large areas.
The alternative of adding window decals only works in small areas, and it can also be more visually disruptive.
Window Decals
The idea of using window decals to reduce bird collisions works the same way as treated glass, but it’s more feasible for small areas and private houses.
Decals may be reflective, imitate the look of a hawk, or simply be colorful and visible.
For example, these Outus Bird Window Decals (available on Amazon.com) would make a great choice for preventing bird collisions.
Soap or Tempera Paint
You can use soap or tempera paint to create a pattern on the window that birds will see and avoid crashing into.
An easy way to make sure birds don’t crash into your window is to paint a grid with spaces no more than 4” by 2” big.
But you can also get creative and make an artistic pattern that’s nice for you to look at as well.
Tape
Reflective tape is a great way to keep birds from crashing into windows because it is easy to apply and it’s relatively effective.
For example, this EHIOG Reflective Tape (available on Amazon.com) is an effective choice.
It comes in both 1” and 2” thicknesses, and the roll contains over 260 feet of tape. It doesn’t fade quickly, and it can withstand the weather.
Screen or Netting
Installing screens or netting 3” away from the glass or more will keep birds from colliding into windows.
The netting or screen should be small-mesh so that birds don’t get entangled in the mesh but bounce off when they collide with it.
Using a storm-window frame to hold the netting is a good way to secure it over the window.
Why Do Birds Crash Into Windows So Often?
Birds often crash into windows because there are so many windows in urban, suburban, and even rural areas.
In the United States, about one billion birds die from striking windows every year.
That makes collision prevention not just an issue of humanity towards animals but also a question of conservation.
Why Do Birds Crash Into Windows?
Birds may crash into windows for several different reasons. The problem is that the windows look inviting.
Often windows reflect trees and other vegetation, which looks appealing to birds.
And at night, birds may see the light on inside and fly towards it.
Additionally, birds will sometimes see their reflection in the window and mistake it for a competitor.
In this case, the birds will attack their reflection, dive-bombing the glass for a big collision often resulting in a fatality.