Western Tanager—Photo: Mick Thompson/Eastside Audubon

BirdSafe Buildings

Individually, we have the opportunity to make a difference.

Researchers estimate that up to 1 billion birds die every year in the United States alone from colliding with a window—this makes window collisions one of the top three threats to wild bird populations, third only to habitat destruction and cats. Collisions can occur at any window, any time of day and year. Problems peak during spring and fall migration. Research shows that 54-76 percent of window collisions are fatal.

During the daytime, birds collide with windows because they see reflections of the landscape in the glass (e.g., clouds, sky, vegetation, or the ground); or they see through glass to perceived habitat (including potted plants) or to the sky on the other side.

Birds do not recognize glass as a solid object. Glass is a problem because it is confusing for birds as an invisible obstacle and as a reflective surface. It is an indiscriminate killer, culling the healthiest members of a population as well as the weakest. To make matters worse, many of the victims are songbirds whose populations are already in decline.

Mirrored structures placed in a natural setting have become a popular architectural trend, especially in short‑term rentals. These may be marketed as: mirrored “invisible” cabins, reflective tiny homes, glass “forest pods”, or mirror‑clad saunas and spas.

While visually striking, these structures pose a significant and often unrecognized threat to birds. Their reflective surfaces mirror surrounding habitat — forest canopy, sky, and vegetation — creating the illusion of open flight paths. Birds interpret these reflections as real habitat and collide with the surfaces at high speed.

Mirrors create perfect, high‑contrast reflections of forest canopy and sky.

• Birds interpret these as actual habitat, not glass.

• Unlike windows, mirrors often cover entire walls, multiplying the hazard.

• Cabins are placed in prime habitat — forest edges, riparian zones, meadows.

• Many are marketed as “invisible,” which is exactly the problem.

This is a collision‑risk profile far worse than typical residential glass.

Mirrored structures in natural areas pose extreme collision risks. There are no known solutions that would alleviate avian injury or death.

What to do if a bird Hits Your Window

If a bird hits your window, observe it before handling. Some strike victims recover after initially being stunned. If a stunned bird …

Bird Collision Solutions for Your Home

People ‘see’ glass because we understand buildings. Birds need strong clues on or around glass to warn them that it’s there.

Bird Collision Assistance for Your Business

Buildings that have both extensive glass and attractive habitat are the most dangerous for birds. Other features …