Collisions with glass are one of the biggest bird protection problems in built-up areas. It is estimated that several million birds die each year in Switzerland as a result of window collisions. Buildings could be constructed in a more bird-friendly way, avoiding dangerous windows. Together with various partners, the Swiss Ornithological Institute is developing solutions to prevent glass collisions. In our brochure “Vogelfreundliches Bauen mit Glas und Licht” (“Bird-friendly building with glass and light”) (Rössler et al. 2022) we show where dangers lurk for birds and how these can be mitigated.
©
© Hans Schmid
©
© Hans Schmid
©
© Ursula Habermacher
This year’s Great Spotted Woodpecker died as a result of a collision with glass.
A Common Redstart that has fallen victim to a window pane.
Collision mark of a pigeon
Domain
Conservation
Unit
Bird-Human Conflicts
Topic
Birds and Human Beings
Habitat
settlements
Project start
1991
Project status
ongoing
Project management
Roman Furrer
Project region
Switzerland
Employees
Unit
Bird-Human Conflicts
We provide information and advice to private individuals, authorities and specialist bodies on bird-friendly solutions when it comes to the coexistence of birds and humans – an area that is not always without conflict.
