How to Help a Bird That Flew Into the Window

How to Help a Bird That Flew Into the Window. Squeaky-clean windows are a point of pride among humans, but they can give birds a big headache – literally. Migratory birds usually can’t tell the sky and trees reflected in your glass panels from reality, leading them to crash into windows, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. While many escape without serious injury, others can end up debilitated or worse without proper supervision. By learning how to care for a bird after a window collision, you might have a big hand in saving its life.

Things Needed

• Cardboard box or shoebox with holes
• Paper towel or soft cloth
• Gloves (optional)

Step 1

Look for any external injuries to the bird. If you find any broken wings or other extremities, or if the bird has discharge coming from its eyes, seek professional attention immediately. Broken bones can require surgery, if left unattended for too long, and eye discharge can indicate brain damage or internal bleeding. If you do not find any obvious injuries, the bird is likely stunned and may have suffered a concussion, the Wild Bird Watching website advises.

Step 2

Allow the bird to recover in a quiet place. Approach the bird from behind and gently pick it up; wear gloves if desired. Hold its wings gently but firmly against its body and place it in a well-ventilated cardboard box or shoebox with a lid, the Wild Bird Care Centre website suggests. Line the bottom of the box with a paper towel or soft cloth. Put the box in a dark, quiet place away from humans, household pets and bright lights. Leave it there for about an hour. Being away from light and sound allows the bird to calm down and recover from a concussion.

Step 3

Release the bird where you found it. Open the box outside and give it time to fly away – if it does, your job is done. If it stays in the box, it may have a more serious injury and should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator or avian veterinarian as soon as possible.

Step 4

Transport the bird to a professional, if necessary. You can carry the bird in the same box you housed it in when you picked it up.

References

• All About Birds: Problems with Windows
• Wild Bird Watching: Injured Birds
• Wild Bird Care Centre: Rescuer Info