Every Year, Millions of Birds Are Killed by Collisions with Glass

Year after year, millions of birds perish due to collisions with glass surfaces. These figures are deeply alarming and clearly highlight that bird protection is not just a concern for natural habitats—it’s equally relevant in cities, villages, and even our own homes. One of the most effective measures to eliminate this hidden threat is the use of bird-safe glass. But what exactly does that mean? Why is it so important? And what are the current developments in this field?

Why Is Bird-Safe Glass Important?

Scientific evidence shows that birds cannot recognize glass as a barrier. Instead, they interpret reflections of trees, the sky, or plants as safe landing zones. Large glass surfaces, winter gardens, bus shelters with glass panels, and transparent noise barriers increase the risk significantly. Bird collisions are not only an ecological and ethical issue—they also pose an additional threat to already vulnerable species. Glass for Europebodensee-stiftung.org

What Solutions Are Already Available?

Proven and scientifically validated solutions have been available for years. Modern bird-safe glass uses visible or UV-activated patterns that birds can detect—without significantly affecting human visibility.

These techniques include:

  • Patterns embedded in glass products

  • Etchings or laser markings

  • Ceramic frits (e.g., Pos. 1)

  • Films and stickers

  • Films integrated into laminated or safety glass

  • UV coating

There are also integrated architectural solutions such as:

  • Privacy screens

  • Metal grilles

  • Louvers

  • Fixed insect screens

  • Shading features

  • Shutters, blinds, or roller shades

However, not all measures are equally effective. Random stickers—like those of birds of prey—have shown minimal impact. Effective patterns must be systematically placed and scientifically proven to deter collisions. bodensee-stiftung.org

New Developments in Bird-Safe Glass

In recent years, the market for bird-safe glass has expanded—driven by growing public and political awareness. Architects and clients are increasingly attentive, and many municipalities already mandate tested bird protection for public buildings.

Innovations include:

  • Intelligent coatings combining UV and infrared patterns that dynamically adapt to lighting conditions

  • Bird-friendly architectural concepts with minimized glass surfaces or integrated protection

  • 3D-printed, customized patterns applied directly to glass

  • Digital simulation tools to analyze collision risks during the planning phase

Politically, progress is underway. In Germany, some federal states and cities are already active, and a nationwide standard is likely to follow. In Austria, a new normative standard (Norm 1501) is currently being developed.

What Still Needs to Be Done?

Despite these advances, much remains to be done. Most glass in Germany remains unsafe for birds, and new builds often fail to consider bird protection. To change this, we need:

  • Clear national legislation, similar to thermal insulation standards

  • Funding programs for retrofitting existing buildings

  • Awareness campaigns targeting architects, clients, and homeowners

  • Transparency and standards to ensure only tested, effective solutions are used

Given the current lack of binding regulations, the Working Group on Bird Protection at the German Flat Glass Association (Bundesverband Flachglas) has developed a guidance sheet over the past two years: “Bird-Friendly Building with Glass.” Every action counts—whether in new office buildings or in retrofitting a home. Bird protection is not a luxury—it is a responsible act toward nature.

For more information—including both German and English versions of the “Bird-Friendly Building with Glass” guidance sheet—visit the download section of the Bundesverband Flachglas website.

About the Author

This article was prepared in collaboration with Matthias Haller, Marketing Technical Service for Architectural Glass at Eastman (Saflex/Vanceva), and spokesperson of the Bird Protection Working Group at the German Flat Glass Association.