Finding a bird that hit a window is heartbreaking — but what you do next can make a difference.

Photo: Flkr CC: Jiolm

Finding a bird that’s hit a window can be upsetting whether it’s injured or has died. But taking a few minutes to help makes a real difference. Getting a live bird to a licensed rehabilitator gives it the best possible chance to recover. And even reporting a deceased bird helps drive change. Years of community data collection in Minneapolis led directly to the city’s bird-safe skyway ordinance, and that same kind of data is now informing a proposed bird-safe building code. Every report helps protect more birds in the future.

Found a bird that hit a window? Click below for find out what to do next.

How do I know if the Bird needs Help?

A bird that has just hit a window may be sitting motionless on the ground or perched awkwardly in nearby vegetation. Its feathers may be puffed out, and it might appear dazed or unresponsive. You may notice curled or outstretched, rigid feet, or the bird lying on its side.

In general, if you’re able to approach a bird closely, it’s very ill or injured and needs immediate care from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

What to do Next?

The stunned wren pictured here, shows several signs of a collision injury — lying on its side, puffed feathers, and curled foot. Birds in this condition need immediate help from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator

  1. Gently contain the bird
    Using clean hands or gloves, place the bird in a small box lined with paper towel and with air holes. Keep the lid closed. Do not try to comfort the bird with your voice, cuddles, or hugs. The bird is under extreme stress and while our instincts are to comfort, those actions bring more stress to the bird. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bird.

  2. Keep it warm, dark, and quiet
    Place the box indoors, away from pets and noise. Darkness helps reduce stress and shock. Do not give food or water.

  3. Do not assume it’s fine if it seems alert
    Birds may appear to recover but still have serious internal or head injuries. The best practice is to bring the bird to licensed rehabber to be checked out. In any case, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance before releasing it.

  4. Bring the injured bird to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator

I found a bird that died hitting a window. What can I do?

Finding a dead bird can be upsetting—but even in loss, your actions can help protect others. Each reported collision adds to the data that drives real change, like Minneapolis’s bird-safe skyway ordinance and the proposed bird-safe building code now under consideration.

Make sure it’s safe to collect the bird
Only pick up a bird if you feel comfortable doing so. Wear disposable gloves or use a plastic bag to avoid direct contact. Never enter streets to collect birds. Take a photo instead.

  1. Document what you found
    Note the location, date, and species If possible, take several photos from about 6 inches away. Details are important, not the exact side of the building, e.g., NW glass entry way. These details help identify collision hotspots and the species most affected.

  2. Report the collision
    Use the form below to share your observation with the Minnesota Bird Coalition. Your report contributes to ongoing research and advocacy for bird-safe design.

  3. Dispose of the bird responsibly
    If local ordinances allow, you can wrap the bird in paper and place it in the trash, or bury it at least two feet deep away from water sources and pets.

  4. If it’s a banded bird
    Report the band number to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory at reportband.gov. These records are vital for migration and survival studies.

Report a Window Collision

*** Every report adds to the data that shapes safer buildings and better policies for birds.***