About 60% of birds that survive collisions with buildings die during rehabilitation
Jeffrey Ji/Shutterstock
More than one billion birds may die from collisions with buildings in the United States each year, a significant increase from previous estimates, and contrary to popular belief, tall buildings are not the primary culprit.
The disorienting and attractive light emitted by buildings at night and the confusing reflection of glass during the day can lead birds to fly into buildings. Most collisions occur with homes and other low-rise buildings, and the problem has worsened as light pollution has increased in recent decades.
