Bird-safe glass works by transforming window glass into a barrier that birds will see and avoid. Glass that can be considered safe for birds has patterns (visual markers) across the entire surface to mute or distort the reflections of surrounding elements. The patterning can be made from various design elements.
Netting. Cover the glass on the outside with netting at least 3 inches from the glass, taut enough to bounce birds off before they hit. Small-mesh netting (around 5/8″ or 1.6 cm) is best, so that birds don't get their heads or bodies entangled but will bounce off unharmed.
UV reflective coatings
A UV reflective coating is applied to glass (laminated glass, for optimal performance). Unlike humans, birds can see ultraviolet light – which means that while this glass is highly visible to birds, it is nearly invisible to the human eye.
Although some birds collide in the heat of a chase, most do so because they see a reflection of the sky and trees in the glass, or because there is another window or mirror in the room making the bird think there is a way through.
In fact, glass is invisible to both birds and people: you can see the dirt on dirty glass, but not the glass itself. But people learn, from a very young age, to recognize cues—such as window frames and door hardware—that tell them glass is there.
The 2×4 rule describes the maximum distance between elements in bird-deterrent patterning. Pattern elements may be any shape (lines, dots, other geometric figures, etc.), but they should not be separated by more than 50 mm (2 in) if oriented in horizontal rows, or by 100 mm (4 in) if oriented in vertical columns.
Birds sometimes attack windows and especially tinted glass, by pecking or striking them. This is usually because they can see their own reflection, and think it is a challenger for their territory.
Birds don't see a reflection; they see an intruder. They can spend hours flying at this illusion, determined to drive away "the other bird." The most common songbird species that attack their reflections (and your windows) are Northern Cardinals, American Robins, bluebirds, towhees, sparrows and sometimes mockingbirds.
Shiny, reflective objects make great deterrents for problematic birds. The reflection of light off of these objects discourages birds from returning to these areas.
Why do birds fly into glass? Birds can't see glass. Instead, they see whatever happens to be reflected in its mirror-like surface. Often, this is open sky or trees, which, if you're a bird, are appealing (and perfectly safe) things to fly towards.
Many people seek to prevent this sorrowful scenario by warning birds away with decals or film applied to windows of homes and office buildings. But there's a big catch, a new study suggests: These products only work if affixed to the outside of the glass.
It's not just the clear coat, wax, and paint that are in danger from these bird bombs. Droppings on your windshield can actually etch and scratch your glass if not cleaned correctly.
Why is it doing this and what can I do to stop it? This is a problem that is most common in spring as male birds are establishing and defending territories. The male sees his reflection in the window and thinks it is a rival trying to usurp his territory. He flies at the window to try and make the rival leave.
AviProtek® E Bird-Safe Solar Control Low‑E Glass
Bird collisions with glass facades are a major cause of bird mortality in North America, claiming the lives of millions of birds each year. That's why Walker Glass and Vitro have teamed up to create an energy-efficient, award-winning solution.
The strong smell of peppermint is enough to repel birds on its own. Peppers. With most peppers being spicy, their smell often creates a burning sensation. Specific types of pepper that can deter birds include chili peppers and cayenne pepper.
Aluminum Foil
Birds don't like the feel of the foil under their beaks and will stay away. You can also hang strips of aluminum foil (or shiny party streamers) from the trees or other high points around your home and garden. The sun reflects off the shiny surface and bothers their eyes, deterring them from coming near.
The One Color to Avoid
While most bright colors are attractive to birds, one color, in particular, should be avoided as much as possible: white signals alarm, danger, and aggression to many birds.
Mirrors are one of the most misunderstood of the bird toy category. For years many pet owners have been told that birds should not get a mirror or they will become un-tame. This is simply not true. In fact, for smaller birds like parakeets and cockatiels, mirrors should be considered a necessity.
Life in captivity is often a death sentence for birds, who may suffer from malnutrition, an improper environment, loneliness, and the stress of confinement. Birds are meant to fly and be with others of their own kind in a natural environment. Confinement causes birds to have temper tantrums and mood swings.
A bird knocking on window has several explanations but it has something to do with the reflection they see on it. They might either confuse it for open space and think they can get through it. Another reason is birds mistake their reflection for rivals and are trying to scare them away.
"Most incidences of birds flying repeatedly at a glass door or window are simply issues of territory." Christoffel said male songbirds who see their own reflection mistake it for an “interloper” invading their territory.
Birds may attack windows to claim territory. Attacking the blass on purpose is a territorial issue. We often get calls from people with a different problem. Instead of birds hitting their windows inadvertently, they are flying against the glass on purpose – attacking their own reflection.