A Bird Hit My Window – What To Do

Is the bird okay?

Birds that fly into windows are often stunned rather than fatally injured. A window strike can have the same impact on a bird as a car crash has on a person, so even if the bird appears to be resting, it may have serious injuries that are not immediately visible. Before you do anything, observe the bird calmly from a distance. 

What should I do if a bird hits my window?

What To Do Immediately:

1. Do not leave the bird on the ground. Cats and other predators can reach a stunned bird quickly.
2. Approach the bird slowly and calmly from behind to avoid startling it.
3. Gently pick up the bird and place it in a paper bag or a cardboard box with air holes. Do not use a cage or container where the bird can see out, as this increases stress.
4. Close the container securely and place it in a warm, dark, quiet place away from pets and children.
5. Do not offer food or water.
6. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bird.
7. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Signs the Bird Needs Immediate Help

Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately if the bird is:

• Bleeding or has visible wounds
• Unable to hold its head upright
• Holding its wings asymmetrically
• Laying on its side or back
• Shivering, lethargic, or unresponsive
• Not showing signs of recovery after 30 minutes

What if the bird seems to recover?

Some birds appear to recover from a window strike within 30 minutes to a few hours. However, some common injuries, such as beak fractures and eye injuries, can be difficult or impossible to notice without expert evaluation and may not prevent a bird from flying. It is best to bring birds in for an evaluation by a wildlife rehabilitator even if the bird appears to have recovered to ensure they are truly uninjured.

In cases where a wildlife rehabilitator is not readily available or a bird appears active and may hurt itself if kept captive, you can open the container outdoors and allow the bird to leave at its own pace. There is still a risk that the bird may fly away with an invisible injury, but that risk may be outweighed by the negative consequences of prolonged captivity. If the bird does not fly away or shows any of the signs listed above, a visit to a wildlife rehabilitator will be necessary.

What NOT To Do:

Do NOT offer food or water.

Attempting to feed or hydrate a stunned bird can cause serious harm. Leave all care to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Do NOT keep the bird indoors longer than necessary.

Stress from handling and indoor environments can be fatal. Keep the bird in a quiet, dark container and contact a rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Do NOT trust random internet advice.

Wildlife care is highly specialized. If a site does not list credentials, permits, or contact information, do not follow its guidance.

For a full guide on the most common wildlife rescue mistakes and how to avoid them, visit our dedicated page.

How To Prevent Window Strikes

Window strikes are one of the leading causes of bird deaths worldwide, with over one billion birds dying from collisions each year in the US and Canada alone. The good news is that most window strikes are preventable.

Simple ways to reduce window collisions:

• Apply soap, tempera paint, or UV decals to the outside of windows in patterns birds can see
• Install screens or vertical blinds on the outside of windows
• Move bird feeders to within 2-3 feet of windows so birds cannot build up enough speed to injure themselves
• Consider Acopian Birdsavers, paracord blinds spaced closely together that birds actively avoid

For more detailed prevention tips and solutions, read our full guide.

Not sure what to do next? We can help.

A licensed wildlife rehabilitator can assess the bird and guide you through the safest next steps.