I have a bird that keeps flying into my window, why?

Question

There is a wild Cardinal that flies into my kitchen window over and over again every day. I'm trying to find out why. While it's a little funny, I also feel bad for the bird. I'm not sure if there is anything I can do for him.

Answer 1

I had a Cardinal also for several years doing this same thing.

We figured out he was seeing his reflection and like most male birds, was "fighting" another bird for territory.

We hung a reflective pie plate with streamers on the window, and he finally got the "picture".

Kinda miss the silly thing.

Answer 2

Cardinals are often territorial in the spring and will chase competitors a long ways. The bird might be mistakingly see his reflection, thinking it is competition, and trying to chase it off by flying after it. Many experts say this can be avoided by putting up decals or strips of dark paper on the windows

Answer 3

The light reflecting on the window profects an image oppisite to the window to the bird. Do you have some trees or a public park outside your window? The bird probably sees the reflection and tries to fly into the window. If you really want to help, put something on the outside of the window.

Answer 4

This is probably a male cardinal, he can see the reflection of himself. They are very territorial, he wants that other male gone. You need to cover the window with a towel or sheet. Or he'll keep doing it until he kills himself. I've heard of male birds doing this with car side mirrors too.

Answer 5

oh don't be so slow! If you want to help the bird, take the screen off your window and let him fly in. If you don't want to do this option you can always put a soft thick foam pad on your window and this will soften the birds impact.

Answer 6

Cardinals can be quite territorial. It is seeing its own reflection in the glass and is trying to drive it away.

Answer 7

it likes you. =) put a bird feeder outside your yard. maybe it will stop flying to your window and go to your yard.