Bird protection in Switzerland: tips for preventing window strikes

A bird crashes into the window pane - a moment that frightens and touches many animal lovers in Switzerland. The bird is often left dazed or seriously injured. Some recover, others do not survive the impact. Why don't birds recognize windows as an obstacle? And what can you actually do to prevent such collisions? As a nature-loving person or animal lover, you want to help ensure that wild birds can move around safely in your environment. This article shows you effective protective measures, provides facts on the legal situation in Switzerland and gives tips on effort, costs and effectiveness. From transparent UV films to greening solutions - discover practical ways to make everyday life bird-friendly.

Why do wild birds fly into windows?

Birds regularly fly into windows in Switzerland - in cities as well as in the countryside. The reason: window glass is invisible to birds. Reflections of the sky, trees or hedges that can be seen through the glass are particularly dangerous. Birds interpret these visual stimuli as flight corridors - often with fatal results.

Transparent buildings such as conservatories or glass fronts in hotels or vacation homes are also a risk. The larger the transparent surface and the visible space behind it, the greater the likelihood of a collision - especially in reflective morning sunlight or evening backlighting.

At night, migratory birds are also irritated by light sources. Brightly lit buildings with large windows attract flocks of birds. They lose their orientation and crash into windows - a problem especially in spring and fall, the main times of bird migration.

Which bird species are particularly affected?

In Switzerland, blackbirds, robins, great tits and chaffinches are among the most frequent victims of collisions. These species often live close to settlements and are extremely agile - a combination that makes them particularly vulnerable.

Rarer migratory birds such as chiffchaffs, whinchats and redstarts are also often at risk in urban areas with lots of glass. At higher altitudes, alpine accentor or wallcreeper can be affected by modern glazed panoramic windows in mountain hotels.

The problem of bird collisions is therefore relevant throughout Switzerland - from Geneva to Graubünden, from Basel-Stadt to mountain villages in Valais.

Risks: damage to the animals - and liability for humans

Collisions between wild birds and window panes are among the most common man-made causes of bird deaths in Switzerland. From an ethical, ecological and sometimes also legal point of view, there is a need for action on the part of house and apartment owners.

What happens in the event of a collision?

A small bird hits a glass surface at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Even if there are no visible external injuries, this often results in internal bleeding, head trauma or broken bones. Birds are masters of camouflage - they hardly show any pain, which makes it difficult to recognize injuries.

Conspicuous behavior such as disorientation, remaining seated despite disturbances or wing drooping are clear warning signs. Such animals should be observed under low-stress conditions and passed on to a wildlife sanctuary if injury is suspected.

Your responsibility under Swiss animal welfare law

The Swiss Animal Welfare Act (TSchG) obliges all people to protect animals - including wild animals - from unnecessary suffering(Art. 1 TSchG). Architectural elements such as glass façades or balcony glazing pose a particular risk. Some cantons explicitly expect new buildings to be designed in a bird-friendly way.

If you subsequently convert or extend a pane of glass, check the regional regulations. In most cases, there is no obligation to report - but the appeal for responsibility applies. Injured animals may be taken in for care - ideally in consultation with the Sempach Ornithological Institute or local wildlife organizations.

Bird protection for windows: it's simple and effective

Whether a detached house, rented apartment or chalet: there are numerous tried-and-tested solutions for making glass surfaces visible to birds. The important thing is that the protective measures must be visible from the outside and recognizable as a barrier from a bird's eye view - not just as decoration for people.

UV films and stickers as invisible helpers

UV-protective films or UV-reflective stickers offer effective protection without visually impairing interiors. Birds see in the UV range - these patterns are recognizable to them as an obstacle, while they remain almost invisible to humans.

Patterns consisting of dots or lines are also suitable. The decisive factor is the spacing: a maximum of 5 cm horizontally or 10 cm vertically ensures that there are no gaps that birds can fly through. Individual silhouettes of birds of prey, on the other hand, are of little use - they are only effective when applied to the entire surface.

Reliable sources of supply in Switzerland include Birdpen, CollidEscape and the Sempach Ornithological Institute's "Protect migratory birds" campaign.

Green windows: plants help twice over

Greening windows not only protects against bird collisions, but also brings ecological diversity. Ivy, wild vines or potted plants with hanging growth interrupt the reflection on the window pane. It is important that they partially obscure the view of the garden or sky.

Additional visual stimuli such as fluttering elements (string curtains, beads, wooden slats) make a glass surface dynamic and therefore easier for birds to see. These can be integrated well into canopies, balconies or window recesses - especially for temporary stays or in rental properties.

Costs, benefits and long-term effect

Many people interested in nature ask themselves: Does an investment in bird protection make financial sense? The answer: Yes, and on several levels - ethically, ecologically and reputationally.

Depending on the method, the costs range from CHF 20 (simple sticker set or plant solution) to CHF 300 (complete film kit for large glass fronts including accessories). You can usually apply the film yourself with a little skill - or it can be applied inexpensively by local craftsmen.

The benefits cannot only be measured in terms of animal suffering saved: According to the Sempach Ornithological Institute, it is estimated that several million birds die in Switzerland every year as a result of collisions with glass. The majority of these accidents are avoidable.

Every collision prevented reduces this silent extinction of species and at the same time strengthens your connection to the natural environment. Especially in the months of March-May and September-October, a protective measure makes the biggest difference.

Common mistakes - and how to avoid them

Many well-intentioned protection measures are ineffective because they are not designed with the birds in mind. To ensure that your measure works, you should avoid the following pitfalls:

• Single silhouettes of birds of prey without a pattern structure - they usually do not act as a deterrent
• Stickers placed on the inside instead of the outside - birds do not recognize them this way
• Too much space between patterns - gaps of more than 10 cm are interpreted by the bird as a flight path
• Underestimate reflection from the evening sun - check the light situation at the golden hour
• Relocate feeders instead of securing windows - this does not solve the original problem

UV-compatible solutions are particularly recommended for modern energy-saving windows with high transparency. Lightweight nets or external curtains that refract light and create movement also help here.

How to implement bird protection at home

Most protection measures are easy to implement - without special tools or planning permission. It is important to analyze the location, install them properly and check them regularly.

Step-by-step to a safe window area

• Identify clearly reflective or transparent windows - especially towards the garden or bird migration route
• Choose a measure: UV film, plants, flutter elements or combinations
• Clean the window pane thoroughly with glass cleaner (without silicone residue)
• Apply stickers or film according to the manufacturer's instructions - ideally with a mounting squeegee and washing-up liquid solution
• For plants: Ensure wind-resistant fixing points and suitable climbing aids

Monitoring success: Are your measures working?

Keep an observation diary for your windows: Are collisions still occurring? Do you see dazed animals on the ground? Adjust your strategy if individual areas remain insufficiently protected.

Wildlife cameras or motion detectors are also useful. This way you will not miss any collisions and you will develop a feel for particularly vulnerable areas.

Bird protection is a process. So stay tuned, observe closely - and adapt your solution to the circumstances.

Conclusion: achieve a lot with little effort

Protecting birds from window panes is possible in Switzerland with little effort - and has a big impact. Every film fitted, every hanging plant module, every movement at the window contributes to less animal suffering and more biodiversity.

Get actively involved in protecting birds in your living environment - whether in Zurich, Lucerne or Emmental. Your action makes all the difference. And it might just be the robin that flutters safely through your garden in future because you have made a small change to your window.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about bird protection at the window (CH)

How can I tell if a bird has hit a window pane?

Typical indications are staggering, slowly sitting on the ground or a sudden crashing sound followed by feathers on the terrace. Prints visible on the window (feathered "dust prints") also indicate a collision.

Can I take an injured wild bird with me?

Yes, according to the Swiss Animal Welfare Act, private individuals may take in injured animals for care as long as this is in the interests of animal welfare. Contact a wildlife station or the Swiss Ornithological Institute as soon as possible.

Are individual "sticker birds" enough of a deterrent?

No. Individual silhouettes in the middle of the window offer little protection. Patterns of lines, dots or closely spaced UV films are better. The decisive factor is the comprehensive, externally visible effect.

How effective are plants against bird strikes on windows?

Very effective! Plants refract light and reflect less than bare glass. If they are well positioned, they provide privacy and visual structure. Hanging or climbing species are particularly effective.

Are there any promotions or campaigns on the subject in Switzerland?

Some municipalities and environmental organizations such as BirdLife Switzerland or the Swiss Ornithological Institute offer information material, events or, in individual cases, even support for conservation measures. Find out more from local authorities.