Birds pecking on windows can be annoying due to the noise and distraction they cause. Maybe you have noticed birds pecking on your windows and are asking yourself, Why do birds peck on windows?
Birds peck on windows because they see a reflection of themselves. Pecking is a way of fighting the bird they see in the reflection, which can sometimes fly and hit the window hard enough to attack the reflection. This territorial behavior is usually seen when a bird is undergoing the breeding phase, mostly during the spring.
Furthermore, a bird pecks at the window because they see a clear path to travel on. Therefore, they peck on the window to at least have their way to that path, which is just a reflection. Similarly, unaggressive birds usually see a partner to play with, so they keep on pecking at the window.
Some bird species, like cockatiels and budgies, will always admire themselves on the window whenever they see a reflection. They keep on pecking to have more time to admire themselves, especially male birds, since females tend to be shyer. Nonetheless, window pecking can be hazardous to birds, as they can be injured when the glass breaks.
What Kind of Bird Pecks on Windows?
Below is a list of seven birds that peck on windows:
1. Robins.
2. Sparrows.
3. Goldfinches.
4. Cardinals.
5. Bluebirds.
6. Turkeys.
7. Dark-eyed Junco.
How to Stop Birds Pecking at Windows
Since birds pecking on windows can be annoying and very risky to their health, consider adopting the following eight tips:
1. Attach Decorative Labels on the Windows
Once you notice birds pecking at your windows, consider getting decorative sticky labels that will break the reflection.
Decorative decals make windows beautiful and safe because birds will not visit them anymore.
Ensure you cover most windows to prevent birds from seeing themselves through the left-out windows.
2. Install Window Film
Window films make windows opaque, hence reducing the glare. Usually, window films are amazing because someone inside the room can see outside, but the one outside cannot see anything, not even a reflection.
Also, a window film can help color your room, especially when the window directly faces the sun. Birds tend to ignore windows with window films since they cannot see reflections of themselves.
3. Attach Mask Tape to the Outside of the Window
When you want to attach the masking tape to your window, put it on the outside rather than the inside.
Ensure you closely stick together to help break up the reflection. Buy affordable tape from the nearest store, such as chart tape of the color of your preference.
Sometimes, it is vital to make your window look aesthetically attractive and break up the glare; hence, Collides Cape window tape does both magic. This will prevent birds from pecking at the window frame.
4. Paint the Windows
Painting your windows creates a unique decoration that is appealing to the eyes as well as blocking reflections. Use washable paint that you can change from time to time.
Also, when painting windows, it is crucial to consider the weather pattern in your region; hence, paint the window from the inside during winter to prevent rainwater from washing away all the paint.
Children love this fun activity; therefore, you can have them help you when you have a busy schedule.
5. Tape a Cardboard or Newspaper on the Windows
This is one of the most straightforward solutions to breaking up reflections. Cardboards and newspapers are easier to access and very affordable. This is a temporary precaution you can use when birds are breeding since they tend to be more territorial.
Depending on your preference and weather conditions, you can hang the cardboard or newspaper inside or outside.
6. Hang Wind Chimes in Front of the Windows
This is a unique way to prevent birds from pecking at your windows. Wind chimes usually produce sounds that make birds stay away from the window and hence cannot see their reflection.
Wind chimes take the birds’ attention, thus mostly staring at them rather than pecking at the window.
7. Close the Curtains and Blinds
Curtains and blinds are another effective way of preventing birds from pecking on the windows. Curtains and blinds usually break up the reflection; hence, birds cannot easily see their reflection; instead, they see a curtain cover.
You can always close the curtains whenever you leave the house. It is very effective, especially when you have clear windows.
8. Install Screens on Your Windows
Screens help break up reflections. They mainly create a different shape rather than showing the reflection of the actual bird. In this case, a bird is likely not to peck at the window since no rival threat is seen.
Also, screens are less noisy when birds peck on them than windows. Similarly, they are less harmful since they are soft, and birds cannot easily hurt themselves.
9. Avoid Putting Feeders, Bird Baths, and Drinkers Close to Your Windows
Another way to prevent birds from pecking at your windows is by putting their accessories like feeders, bird baths, and drinkers in the backyard or anywhere far from your windows. This way, birds will always focus on feeding rather than pecking at your windows.
It is advisable to keep bird feeding stations or birdhouses over 9 meters away from your house.
10. Block the Flight Path
Before birds get to your window, there is usually a path they follow to attack it. Therefore, consider blocking the path by placing a few potted plants in front of the window. This is very effective, as birds will not get direct access to your window.
11. Attach Stickers of Predators on Your Window
If you notice a bird hitting the window repeatedly, consider attaching stickers or cutouts of predators on the inside of your window.
Birds will feel scared when they see predators like hawks, crows, vultures, and owls; hence, they will keep a distance. Birds tend to fly away immediately when they see the predators’ stickers.
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