It is common, particularly during spring and fall migration, for songbirds to fly into glass because it appears invisible to them or it reflects the surrounding sky, clouds and trees, or because they are attracted to the light coming from inside of buildings when migrating at night.
How to Help a Bird Who Hit a Window
Signs That The Bird Is Injured
Birds who have hit windows need medical attention as soon as possible, especially if they show any of the following symptoms:
- Blood on any part of the body
- Any apparent swelling, such as an eye swollen shut
- Eyes bulging
- Apparent injury to any limb, e.g. holding wings asymmetrically, one leg sticking out at an angle
- A skewed beak, e.g. the top and bottom tip of the beak is not lined up
- Any balance abnormalities, e.g. the bird is laying on their side or back, or their head is turned at an unusual angle
- They are unable to fly or are easily picked up
A window strike for a bird can have the same impact as a car crash for people. Some injuries may not be visible but can still be life-threatening. Head trauma is an urgent condition that must be treated soon after the incident; they need to be treated by a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
If you’ve determined that the bird needs help, the next step is getting it safe and secure until you can find help for it.
How to Contain a Sick or Injured Small Bird
You will need:
- a cardboard box (with a lid) large enough for the bird to fit inside
- a towel or a pillowcase (in a pinch, a t-shirt or sweater will do)
Approach the bird calmly and quietly. Once you’re close enough, toss the towel over its body, making sure to cover its head and eyes. If the bird is still able to walk or run, you may need to corral it into a corner by a fence or building in order to get close enough.
Scoop them up in the towel and place the whole bundle in the cardboard box. Close the lid of the box, ensuring the towel isn’t covering the bird. If the bird is lying forward or on their side, use a facecloth or tea towel to create a “donut” and place the bird upright in the middle of it. This will make it easier for them to breathe. Put the box in a dark, quiet place (a closet or bathroom is perfect!) and contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
If the bird is still able to fly but you think it may need help, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice. They may have tips and tricks depending on the species and the situation to help you rescue them.
Once the situation with the bird has been resolved, it is important to address the larger problem – if a bird has hit the window, it is likely to happen again. Visit our friends at FLAP for more information on mitigating window strikes.
