Territorial birds sometimes mistake their reflection in a window for another bird competing for territory or mating rights, leading them to attack it repeatedly, draining energy reserves and endangering both their own health as well as that of their young. This repeated behavior depletes an already vulnerable creature of energy reserves while placing both themselves and their offspring at risk.
Commercial products designed to break up windows’ reflective surfaces and deter birds from attacking it are available both as decals and liquid forms.
Birds are territorial
Birds often defend their territories against members of their species. Male birds in particular can become particularly territorial during breeding season and this behavior is most frequently witnessed at homes or feeders near them. Many birders have witnessed territorial aggression first-hand when encountered at home or feeders – often times male birds showing aggressive territorial behaviors toward windows with repeated bumping and pecking at windows; depleting energy reserves and placing eggs or nestlings at risk in turn; usually this pattern stops within several weeks when less active as the bird begins raising young.
Territorial behavior remains unexplained; however, its causes appear to include attempts at resource control and protecting genetic diversity by keeping populations of different species apart from interbreeding – known as interspecific territoriality (IT). This separation helps maintain genetic diversity within populations.
Some birds mark their territory with urine or droppings, while most use song and display to establish ownership over specific areas. Bird territories vary greatly by species and habitat – Song Sparrows in resource-poor Ohio shrublands can have territories several thousand square yards large while Seagulls typically occupy only 100 feet or so in salt marshes.
Some birds defend their territory year-round; other types may only do so at certain points of the year, like during nesting season. Robins and towhees become particularly aggressive around spring when trying to establish nest sites. If you plan on being near breeding pairs, make sure any lawn furniture or children’s toys are placed well away from any nesting pairs in immediate proximity; otherwise it may be best to stay out altogether, unless your yard can accommodate an expansive territory for the birds.
When faced with territorial birds at your windows, try to understand their motivation for behaving this way and how you can minimize or eradicate their behavior. For instance, if there are too many bird feeders too close together near your house, move them farther apart; additionally use temporary spray window coating such as Stop Bird Attack Window Spray which reduces reflections that show their reflection in glass surfaces so birds do not attack it; this product eliminates birds’ reflection and calms them, easily removable with window cleaner once season has ended.
Birds are aggressive
All birds exhibit aggressive behaviors when threatened, such as when their territories, nests or young are threatened. This is especially evident among species living close to people such as Northern Mockingbirds, American Robins, Gray Catbirds and Blue Jays that live nearby – these birds can become particularly aggressive at mating time when protecting themselves or trying to attract mates.
Birds express their anger through vocalizations and posturing. Vocalizations typically include higher pitches and sharper notes than usual, repeated angrily until perceived threats have subsided. Posturing may involve puffing up wings, fluffing feathers, and extending tail feathers to intimidate intruders into staying away from territory or nest.
Sometimes a bird will display prominent color patches to indicate it is upset with intruders; this serves to warn them they will strike out with wings, talons and bill to protect themselves. If other displays of aggression fail, they may lunge or dive bomb the intruder to stop him or her in their tracks.
Dominance aggression is a natural part of bird behavior and should be understood as such; it may occur between members of the same species as well as between male and female birds of different species or between a male and female bird, but can become dangerous when applied to humans. Hormones and fear could trigger dominance aggression – it should be treated seriously immediately!
If the potential exists for birds to attack your windows, Stop Bird Attack Window Spray could be just what is needed. This washable white spray is effective at deterring territorial birds from attacking windows by disguising reflections on glass surfaces as a reflection. Available at most home improvement stores and easy to apply; just apply it over windows where pecking occurs in well-ventilated rooms and apply directly onto them – remembering to keep dogs and cats away while using this solution!
Birds are pecking
Birds who begin pecking their reflection in windows, mirrors and other reflective surfaces can be extremely distressing. This behavior often happens during spring when territorial males of certain bird species – like cardinals and robins – see their reflection in windows as competitors that need driving away and begin attacking it to drive off any intruders they perceive to be competing males – only for it to deplete both energy levels and health over time.
Good news! Although this behavior can seem alarming, it does not threaten or cause injury or death to the bird and typically poses no harm to humans either. Unfortunately, however, homeowners often find this disturbing and may keep them from enjoying their outdoor space as intended. Furthermore, it may divert a bird’s attention away from nesting activities, which may endanger baby birds in its path.
Although many believe the pecking behavior to be caused by aggression, it’s actually an instinctive defensive reaction similar to woodpeckers pecking away at trees. While not all birds peck, those that do are drawn towards shiny objects such as car mirrors, chrome bumpers, gazing balls, reflective grilles and windows. They attack these surfaces either by flying against it, pecking it with their beaks, raking their talons across it, or beating against its reflective surface with their wings.
Though difficult to overcome, this behavior can be reduced with several tactics. One way is to cover your window with a screen or curtain that blocks reflection, which will prevent birds from seeing themselves and consequently becoming less likely to attack. Soaping windows with bar soap (it works better than bleach) also works to decrease reflection; another solution could be applying transparent tape or decals like Window Alert decals which obscure it somewhat but still allow light in.
Moving bird feeders and houses away from windows is the ideal solution, as this will prevent them from becoming territorial hazards and help them remain nearer their nests and chicks – which they tend to prefer. You could also paint your windows with tempera paint in order to reduce reflection and discourage birds from attacking them.
Birds are attacking windows
Some bird species tend to be naturally aggressive and territorial, so when they see themselves reflected in a window (or mirror, chrome bumper, reflective grill, gazing ball or any other shiny surface), they often perceive it as an opponent and will strike out against it aggressively – dashing at it, pecking at it repeatedly, raking with their talons or beating it with wings if necessary. Though irritating to us humans, this behavior usually proves harmless for birds since it helps them fight off potential competition for territory or mates – though overexertion may depletes energy leaving them susceptible to predators, disease or malnutrition.
At times, this behavior can be the result of male cardinals or songbirds becoming territorial during breeding season; but other causes could include stress hormones or nesting chicks nearby. Luckily, there are simple yet affordable solutions that can prevent birds from attacking windows.
An effective way to deter birds from flying into windows is to cover it with paper, foil or non-reflective cellophane and wrap it around the outside edge of a window before taping it secure – this ensures it won’t interfere with light coming through your window! Just be careful that its thickness doesn’t diminish illumination!
Wire mesh screens should also be added to the exterior windows to deter birds from colliding into them and potentially injuring themselves, and can be found either at local hardware stores or online.
Colored papers or aluminum foil may help, temporarily reducing reflections and scaring birds away. Unfortunately, these solutions don’t stand up well against weatherproof conditions nor look as appealing as solid window screens do.
Deterring birds from attacking windows requires taking measures to restrict access. You could place potted or hanging indoor plants near them to reduce reflections and dissuade birds from attacking. You could also try soaping your entire window with foamy soap-and-water solution; don’t just target one small spot!