Quick answers to common questions
Hummingbirds frequently flying into windows is a common occurrence that can seem puzzling at first. Here are some quick answers to common questions about this behavior:
Why do hummingbirds fly into windows?
Hummingbirds fly into windows because they see reflections of trees, flowers, and sky in the glass. Unable to perceive that it is a flat surface, they try to fly to the reflection.
Are they hurt when they hit a window?
Hummingbirds are small and light, so they do not typically suffer major injuries from hitting windows. However, collisions can stun and disorient them. It’s best to help a stunned hummingbird recover before releasing it.
How can I prevent hummingbirds from hitting my windows?
To deter hummingbirds from hitting windows, apply visual markers like decals, sun catchers, or strips of tape. These break up reflections so birds recognize it as a solid surface. Keep feeders and flowering plants away from windows.
What should I do if I find a hummingbird stunned after hitting a window?
If a hummingbird hits a window and is stunned, carefully retrieve it and place in a ventilated box lined with a soft cloth. Keep in a quiet, dark place to recover for 30 minutes before releasing. Provide nectar in a dropper if it seems able to drink.
Why Hummingbirds Are Susceptible to Window Collisions
Hummingbirds are exceptionally vulnerable to window collisions compared to other bird species for the following reasons:
Ultra-Fast Flight and Maneuverability
Hummingbirds have the ability to fly backwards, upside down, and hover in place. They can reach speeds of over 30 mph in a dive or aggressive display. This extreme maneuverability allows them to swiftly approach and investigate reflections in windows.
Ecological Adaptations
Hummingbirds have evolved to seek out flower nectar as their main food source. When they see vivid reflections of trees and sky in glass, they instinctively fly towards it to find flowers. Their brains are hard-wired to respond to colors and patterns resembling nectar resources.
Small Size and Lack ofinjury Protection
Weighing just 2 to 20 grams on average, hummingbirds are too small and lightweight to suffer major injuries when hitting windows. Larger birds are more likely to take evasive action, and their bulk helps protect vital organs from serious trauma.
High Metabolism and Energy Needs
Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms and must continually consume nectar to meet their energy needs. This constant hunger drives them to doggedly pursue any perceived food source, even if it is a false flower reflection in glass.
Physical Effects of Window Collisions on Hummingbirds
The physical effects of hitting a window typically depend on the size and speed of the hummingbird. Here are the most common types of injuries and trauma:
Concussion and Disorientation
The most common effect is temporary concussion or stunning from the impact. This causes the hummingbird to become disoriented and lose control of flight coordination for a period.
Broken Bones or Sprains in Wings
Forceful collisions can result in fractures or sprains in the delicate bones and joints of the wings. This impairs the bird’s ability to fly properly.
Ruptured Blood Feathers
Newly emerging feathers with blood quills can rupture and cause significant blood loss. This is damaging since hummingbirds already have very high metabolic rates.
Eye Injuries
Hummingbird eyes are adapted to precisely focus on nearby flowers in flight. Window impacts can potentially cause scratched corneas, detached retinas, or ruptured eyeballs.
Internal Organ Hemorrhaging
While rare, high-speed window collisions can potentially cause internal bleeding in organs. This leads to internal trauma and death without rapid veterinary treatment.
| Type of Injury | Severity | Recovery Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| Concussion/disorientation | Mild | Excellent with rest |
| Wing fractures/sprains | Moderate | Good with treatment |
| Ruptured blood feathers | Moderate | Good with treatment |
| Eye injuries | Severe | Guarded to poor |
| Internal organ damage | Severe | Extremely poor |
Assessing and Helping an Injured Hummingbird
If you find a hummingbird dazed after hitting a window, here are tips for helping it recover:
– Gently pick it up with a towel and place in a ventilated box or paper bag. Keep in a quiet, dark place for 30 minutes.
– Do not try to give it water. Instead, use an eyedropper to gently place small drops of sugar-water or hummingbird nectar on its beak and tongue if it seems able to drink it.
– After 30 minutes, take the box outside and open it near bushes or a tree to give the bird a launching point when it flies off.
– If the hummingbird appears to have a broken wing or other injury that impairs its ability to fly, contact a wildlife rehabilitation specialist immediately. Do not try to treat the injury yourself.
Preventative Measures to Stop Hummingbirds Hitting Windows
Here are the most effective methods for preventing hummingbirds from colliding with windows:
Apply Decals and Use Deterrent Tape
– Apply decals with hawk silhouettes or patterns to windows to break up reflections. Vertical strips of tape 2 to 4 inches apart also work well.
– Deterrent tapes and decals should be placed on exterior glass surfaces where reflections occur that attract hummingbirds.
Install External Screens and Sunshades
– Physical barriers like exterior screens, shutters, sunshades and lattice panels can deter hummingbirds before they reach the glass.
– Make sure these external surfaces are not glossy and reflective themselves. Use matte finishes.
Use UV-Reflective Films
– Special window films with ultraviolet patterns reflect UV light which hummingbirds can see but humans cannot. These also disrupt reflections.
– Apply films on exterior glass surfaces, especially large picture windows which create the most hazardous reflections mimicking open sky and vegetation.
Keep Feeders and Plants Away from Windows
– Don’t place hummingbird feeders or flowering plants too close to windows, as the birds may collide with the glass when flying to and from them.
| Prevention Method | Effectiveness | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Deterrent tapes and decals | Very effective | Cheap |
| External screens/shutters | Highly effective | Moderate |
| UV-reflective films | Very effective | Moderate |
| Keep feeders/plants away | Moderately effective | Cheap |
When to Get Help for an Injured Hummingbird
In some cases, it is best to seek professional help and treatment for an injured hummingbird rather than trying home care:
Broken Bones or Damaged Wings
Do not try to bind or splint broken wings yourself. Seek wildlife rehabilitator assistance, as improper treatment can cause permanent damage.
Eye Injuries or Ruptured Eyes
Eye damage requires specialist veterinary care. The bird may lose vision permanently without proper treatment.
Excessive Blood Loss from Feathers
If broken blood feathers won’t clot, the hummingbird needs prompt care to avoid going into shock from blood loss.
Unconsciousness or Prolonged Immobility
If the hummingbird remains unconscious for over an hour after the collision, or cannot hold its head up, seek expert help immediately.
Difficulty Perching or Grasping
Trouble perching on fingers or branches indicates neurological injury or damage to feet requiring rehabilitation. Do not release a hummingbird that cannot perch properly.
Getting timely treatment from qualified wildlife or veterinary specialists provides injured hummingbirds the best chance of being successfully rehabilitated and released back to the wild. Do not hesitate to seek help when needed.
In Conclusion
Hummingbirds flying repeatedly into windows is a common phenomenon, mainly due to their instinct to investigate bright reflections that resemble flower nectar resources. While collisions do not generally cause severe harm, it is still important to take preventive measures using deterrents on glass surfaces. If an injured hummingbird is found, swift action can help aid its recovery and chances for release. Providing appropriate care and rehabilitative assistance when needed can help conserve these unique, dazzling birds that bring so much joy wherever they appear. With some awareness and a few preventative steps, we can allow hummingbirds to enrich our lives without putting them at risk from the hazards of window reflections.
