What to do if a hummingbird flies into your window?

If you are a lover of hummingbirds, and are lucky enough to interact with them in your yard, it is always distressing when one accidentally flies into a window. Hummingbirds have very poor vision and navigate by memory. This can lead them to not see the glass of a window, door, greenhouse or other structure. When a hummingbird hits a window, it can be injured or even killed from the impact. However, there are some steps you should take if this happens in order to help the bird and prevent it from occurring again.

Check on the Bird’s Condition

The first thing you should do if you see or hear a hummingbird hit your window is to check on it. Go outside and look around the area where the impact occurred. The bird may have fallen to the ground after hitting the window. If you find the hummingbird, assess its condition. Is it still alive? Does it appear injured or stunned? Here are the steps to take in different scenarios:

If the Bird is Dead

Unfortunately, hummingbirds are very fragile and a window collision often results in death, particularly if it was a direct hit at high speed. If the bird is clearly deceased, you can dispose of the body respectfully. Many people choose to bury deceased hummingbirds in their yards or gardens. You can place the body in a small box or paper bag first. Backyard burial allows the nutrients from the body to return to the earth.

If the Bird is Alive but Stunned

It’s also common for a hummingbird that hits a window to be alive but stunned and immobile from the impact. If the bird is not moving at all but you can see it breathing and its eyes are open, it is in a stunned state. The goal then is to allow the bird to rest and recover from the shock before flying again. Here are the steps to help a stunned hummingbird:

• Gently pick up the bird and place it in a small cardboard box lined with a soft cloth.
• Keep the box in a warm, dark, quiet place for 20-30 minutes.
• Check on the bird after 20-30 minutes. If it is moving around in the box, take it back outside and open the box. The bird should fly away.
• If the bird is still immobile after 30 minutes, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for additional guidance.

If the Bird Appears Injured

Sometimes a window strike will lead to an obvious injury for a hummingbird, like a cut, broken bone or other wound. If you see any evidence of blood or injury, the bird needs professional care. Do not try to treat an injured hummingbird yourself. Here’s what to do:

• Use gloves to carefully pick up the bird and place it in a cardboard box lined with a cloth.
• Keep the box somewhere warm and dark to reduce stress.
• Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Many have experts who can care for injured hummingbirds.
• Bring the hummingbird to the rehabilitation center as soon as possible.

Try to Prevent the Bird From Hitting Other Windows

Once you have cared for the hummingbird’s immediate needs following a window collision, you will want to try to prevent the bird from hitting other windows again. Hummingbirds often become confused and disoriented after hitting glass. Here are some steps you can take to help protect the hummingbird:

• Keep the hummingbird’s box away from windows if it is inside recovering.
• If you release the hummingbird outside, move any outdoor feeders away from windows and cover the windows with blinds or curtains.
• Look for the hummingbird flying near windows and gently guide it away using hands or a broom.
• Move potted plants or other objects the hummingbird could perch on away from windows.

Apply Window Treatments

The key way to prevent hummingbirds from crashing into your windows over the long-term is to apply window treatments. There are a few affordable, easy options that will help alert hummingbirds to the presence of glass without obstructing your view:

Use Tempera Paint

Washable tempera paint can create temporary patterns on glass to warn hummingbirds. Mix equal parts white paint and water in a spray bottle. Mist the solution in stripes or dots on external surface of windows and doors where hummers fly. Reapply after rain. Can be removed with soap and water.

Install Decals

There are specific bird deterrent decals designed to stick to windows and reduce collisions. Available decal patterns include dots, lines, silhouettes of birds in flight, etc. Decals can be purchased at wild bird stores or online.

Use Soap or Vinegar

Coating windows with soapy water or a white vinegar solution will create a barrier visible to hummingbirds. Mix a few drops of dish soap or vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spray onto exterior glass surfaces. Reapply regularly.

Hang Items in Front of Windows

Hanging visible items in front of windows also stops hummingbirds from attempting to fly through. Affixable deterrents include strips of ribbon, CD discs, metallic tape, window screening or netting. Position every 3-4 inches vertically in front of windows for best results.

Provide Solid Obstacles

Another approach is to interrupt window reflections by providing solid obstacles that deter hummingbird flight near windows. Some options include:

• Planting tall shrubs or trees in front of windows
• Installing external sun shades, awnings or roof overhangs
• Adding bird netting, mesh screens or trellises in front of glass
• Positioning rain barrels, stone statues or other solid objects near windows

Use Ultraviolet (UV) Lights or Films

Hummingbirds can see UV light, which is invisible to humans. Window films or decals that reflect UV wavelengths alert hummingbirds to the presence of glass without affecting your view. UV deterrent films can be purchased online or at hardware stores. Alternatively, install UV LED lights near windows.

Keep Lights Off at Night

Hummingbirds can become disoriented by interior lights at night as they migrate. To reduce collisions, turn off lights in rooms with exterior windows. Also close curtains or blinds at night.

Check Screen Porches and Greenhouses

Hummingbirds may attempt to fly into enclosed outdoor spaces like porches or greenhouses if they spot plants or feeders inside. Apply window solutions to these areas too or keep interiors shaded.

Move Feeders

Avoid placing hummingbird feeders directly next to windows, as the birds may fly into glass in pursuit of the nectar source. Position feeders at least 3-4 feet away from all windows and other reflective surfaces.

Set Up Special Window Feeders

Instead of regular feeders, use specially designed window hummingbird feeders. These provide an enticing food source without requiring the birds to closely approach glass. Many window feeder models have built-in perches, so hummingbirds will tend to fly up to the feeder without attempting to access it through the window behind.

Share the Dangers with Neighbors

Talk to your neighbors about the threat window collisions pose to hummingbirds. Share tips on applying window deterrents so others can make their homes safer for hummingbirds too.

Conclusion

Hummingbirds crashing into windows is an unfortunately common occurrence. But there are many techniques you can implement to avoid this hazard. Getting into the habit of making windows visible and limiting reflections will create a safer environment. With some simple actions, you can prevent window strikes and protect the delicate hummingbirds visiting your yard.