Birds frequently collide with windows, often resulting in injury or even death. One common outcome of window collisions is a stunned bird – one that has hit the window with enough force to disorient it, but without causing severe injury. Stunned birds typically appear dazed or unconscious immediately after the impact but often recover after a period of time. The length of time a bird remains stunned depends on factors like the force of the impact, the bird’s size and species, and whether it sustained any injuries. Understanding how long window strikes stun birds can help people properly handle and care for impacted birds to support their recovery.
What does it mean for a bird to be “stunned” after a window collision?
When a bird hits a window, it may become “stunned” from the force of the impact. A stunned bird is disoriented and unable to maintain balance, posture and muscle control. It may appear dazed or unconscious, with closed eyes and no response to stimuli. However, unlike true unconsciousness, stunned birds maintain reflexive functions like breathing and blinking. Stunned birds usually recover normal function over a period of minutes to hours after the collision as the brain recovers from the concussive effects of the blow. Mildly stunned birds may shake their heads, stagger, or have slight wing droop as they perch. More severely stunned birds may be unable to stand or perch at all. Window strikes can also cause other injuries like broken bones or internal trauma, which require veterinary attention. But birds that appear simply “stunned” and have no additional injuries often recover with time.
Factors impacting how long a bird remains stunned
Several key factors influence how long a bird may remain stunned after hitting a window:
Force of the impact
The harder a bird hits a window, the more severe the stunning is likely to be. Fast moving birds that strike windows head-on tend to suffer more severe impacts than birds fluttering or gliding at lower speeds. Larger birds build up more momentum and hit with greater force than smaller birds as well. Birds that hit large picture windows often sustain harder blows than those striking smaller windows. The greater the force, the longer the recovery time.
Bird size and species
Larger bird species seem to be able to withstand stronger window blows than smaller species before becoming stunned. Medium to large birds like pigeons, doves, and mallard ducks may only be mildly impacted by collisions that could seriously stun smaller songbirds. Some types of birds also have physical adaptations like thick skulls or flexible necks that may protect their brains from concussion. Species differences in brain structure and physiology also influence recovery times.
Injuries sustained
Birds that incur injuries in addition to stunning, like fractures, eye damage or internal trauma, will take longer to recover as those injuries heal. Severe injuries may require wildlife rehabilitation. Birds that are simply stunned but not otherwise injured should recover more quickly as the brain responds to the concussion.
Typical recovery times
Most mildly stunned small birds recover within 15-30 minutes after the collision if placed in a safe, quiet location. Larger birds like doves may take up to a few hours to regain normal posture and activity. Severely stunned birds of any species can take up to 24 hours to fully recover. Birds that remain stunned for over 24 hours likely have additional injuries requiring rehabilitation. Here are some general guidelines for expected recovery times:
Small birds (sparrows, finches, wrens)
- Mildly stunned: 15-30 minutes
- Severely stunned: Up to 4-6 hours
Medium birds (pigeons, doves, starlings)
- Mildly stunned: 30 minutes – 2 hours
- Severely stunned: Up to 12-24 hours
Large birds (gulls, geese, ravens)
- Mildly stunned: 1-2 hours
- Severely stunned: Up to 24 hours
These time ranges assume no other injuries – if fractures, neurological signs, or internal injuries are present, seek wildlife rehabilitation assistance immediately rather than waiting for self-recovery.
What to do for a stunned bird
If you find a window-stunned bird, here are some steps to help it recover:
- Gently collect it with a towel and place it in a ventilated box lined with a soft cloth.
- Keep it in a warm, dark, quiet space while stunned.
- Do not handle excessively or offer food/water while stunned.
- Monitor breathing and alertness. Seek wildlife rehabilitator if issues arise.
- Once recovered, release outdoors in a sheltered area near where it was found.
A bird that remains unconscious, bleeding, or with continued neurological issues after 24 hours needs professional rehabilitation care. Never re-release severely debilitated birds on their own – they are vulnerable until fully recovered. With appropriately timed handling and monitoring, most simply stunned birds make a full recovery and can be returned to the wild.
Preventing window collisions
To help birds avoid window strikes in the first place:
- Install bird deterrent markers and decals on glass to make it more visible.
- Close curtains and blinds to block reflections.
- Place bird feeders and baths at least 3 feet from windows.
- Use UV patterned glass, screens or netting to break up reflections.
- Turn off lights in rooms with windows at night.
Following these precautions can significantly reduce window collisions and resulting injuries to wild birds around homes and buildings.
Conclusion
Birds stunned by window strikes generally recover within a window of 15 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the severity of impact and the size and species of bird affected. Small birds may only remain stunned for 15-30 minutes while larger birds require a few hours up to 24 for recovery. Creating a quiet space to monitor stunned birds supports the natural recovery process. Preventing collisions in the first place remains the best way to avoid bird injuries from windows. Understanding stunned bird recovery times helps people make informed decisions on monitoring vs. seeking rehabilitation assistance. With some basic knowledge and care, most birds stunned by window collisions can fully regain their normal function and successfully return to the wild.
