Animal Biodiversity and Conservation. Volum 48.2 (2025) - Special Issue Pages: e0203-

A tale of deadly strikes: A nearly century-long literature review of bird-window collisions

Gómez-Martínez, M. A., MacGregor-Fors, I.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2025.48.0203

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Abstract

The study of bird-window collisions has expanded significantly due to the urgent need for data to address this conservation challenge. As a multifactorial issue, bird-window collisions are influenced by a range of factors, complicating efforts to identify a clear solution. This systematic review analyzes 139 studies published over the past century across multiple languages and regions, making it the most comprehensive review of its kind to date. We categorized findings into six key themes: (i) urban characteristics, (ii) environmental traits, (iii) avian traits, (iv) field experiment results, (v) collision magnitude, and (vi) broader implications and applications. The review highlights critical factors such as window area, surrounding vegetation, and the higher vulnerability of migratory species, along with the roles of behavior, architecture, seasonality, and weather. We also assess the effectiveness of collision deterrents and the impacts of scavenger removal experiments. These insights aim to assist stakeholders in understanding the issue, implementing effective deterrent strategies, and emphasizing the need for targeted research in understudied regions to support safer urban planning and global bird conservation initiatives.

Keywords

Conservation issue, Collisions factors, Window strikes, Migratory birds, Collisions deterrent methods, Urban ecology

Cite

Gómez-Martínez, M. A., MacGregor-Fors, I., 2025. A tale of deadly strikes: A nearly century-long literature review of bird-window collisions. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 48: e0203-, DOI: http://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2025.48.0203