What Does It Mean When A Bird Hits Your Window? (Find Out Now!)

Jessica Allen
by Jessica Allen

A bird hitting your window can be a shocking and even scary sight. If a bird hits your window, you might wonder whether it means anything. Is there a deeper meaning to the occurrence, or did the bird just see the reflection of the sky?

A bird hitting your window likely saw the sky’s reflection, an indoor plant, bright lights, or its own reflection. Common meanings associated with birds hitting windows include an upcoming change or a loved one sending a message. Some cultures believe a bird hitting your window is a death omen or a sign you’re too focused on finances.

In this article, we’ll cover the four main reasons why birds hit windows. Then, we’ll get into the different meanings associated with a bird hitting your window. We’ll also cover the significance of various birds. We’ll finish up by explaining how to keep birds from hitting your windows.

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Four Reasons A Bird Might Hit Your Window

Below you’ll find the most common explanations for a bird hitting your window.

The Bird Saw The Sky’s Reflection

When a bird hits a window, it’s generally because it sees the sky’s reflection in the glass. It thinks it’s a continuation of the landscape and continues to fly at the window at full speed.

The Bird Saw A Plant Indoors

Another reason that a bird could hit your window is that it sees plants indoors. Therefore, it sets its sight on the plant and doesn’t realize the window is in the way.

The Bird Was Curious About The Bright Lights

The third reason a bird might hit your window is curiosity regarding the bright lights inside the house at night. If you don’t shut your curtains or shades at night, this is much more likely to happen.

The Bird Was Being Territorial

Finally, the bird might see its own reflection in the window and think it is another bird. This can result in them hitting the window as an attempt to protect their territory.

What’s The Meaning Of A Bird Hitting Your Window?

Many cultures associate different messages with the situation of a bird hitting your window. While some view it as an indication of goodwill, others interpret it as a sign of impending doom.

Humans have long considered birds messengers that can bring good news, warning signs, and even omens of death. Find out more about some of the common meanings of birds hitting your window below!

A Change Is Going To Occur

Many people believe a bird hitting your window is a sign that a change is about to take place. It could mean that you’re in a period of transition in your life. Your current challenges may be reaching a turning point or coming to a close.

It’s thought that this meaning of a bird hitting your window comes from the Bible. In the Book of Genesis, during the great flood, Noah sent a dove to see if the water had receded.

The dove came back immediately because there was nowhere for it to land. Later on, when Noah sent the dove again, it didn’t return. This showed him that the flood was ending. Therefore, a bird hitting your window can be a sign that something is about to change.

Message From A Loved One

Another belief about the meaning of a bird hitting your window is that it’s a message from a loved one. This is generally meant in a positive way, with a loved one coming down from heaven to talk to you.

You’re Too Focused On Finances

Another Bible-based meaning of a bird hitting your window is that you’re too concerned with finances at the moment. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus says to think about the birds and how God provides all they need. He gives them everything they need to live.

So, if a bird hits your window, this could be a sign that you’re too concerned about your next paycheck. Or perhaps you’ve been too focused on figuring out how you’re going to pay the bills. The bird could be a sign from God reminding you that he’ll provide for you as he does the birds.

Warning Of Death

The most ominous interpretation of a bird hitting your window is that death is knocking at your door. This could either mean that something may happen to you or a relative.

Meanings Of Different Birds

According to the folklore of various cultures, different birds carry different meanings. We’ll go over a few of them below.

  • A dove represents purity, peace, and positive energy. If a dove hits your window, this is typically considered a message of goodwill.
  • Bluebirds are considered a representation of joy. A bluebird hitting your window could be a sign that a joyful transition or good news is coming.
  • If a sparrow hits your window, you might expect wealth and good tidings.
  • Owls are associated with darkness and represent wickedness and misfortune. An owl hitting your window could be a sign that you need to be wary and exercise caution in life.
  • An eagle represents freedom and faith. If an eagle hits your window, it may carry a message of strengthening your beliefs and remaining faithful despite challenges.
  • Robins are often associated with new beginnings. A robin hitting your window can remind you of the beauty of change. It can encourage you to embrace change rather than fearing it.

How To Prevent Birds Hitting Your Window

There are a few different methods you can use to prevent birds from hitting your windows.

Add Markings

One easy method is to add horizontal or vertical markings to your windows. You could use stickers, decals, paint, or tape to do this. Window art is another creative way to disrupt the reflection of the sky in the glass.

Use Shades, Blinds, Or Curtains

Another way to make the glass more visible so birds don’t fly into it is to close your shades, blinds, or curtains. This is especially important if you have lights on at night when it’s dark out.

Consider Angling Your Windows Or Using Special Glass

There are also a couple of more expensive methods of deterring birds from hitting your windows. These methods are most appropriate if you constantly have birds hitting your windows and haven’t had luck with simpler strategies.

Another situation in which you might want to consider these is building a home with huge windows that are likely to confuse birds. This is especially true if the windows are facing a wooded area or other natural landscape.

Angling your windows slightly downward will keep them from reflecting the landscape and sky. This means birds will be much less likely to hit them.

You could also replace your window glass with UV-reflective glass. This type of glass is translucent to the human eye, but it’s opaque to birds. UV-reflective glass is very effective in reducing the amount of bird collisions with windows.

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Related Questions

Why do birds fly in a V?

There are a couple of reasons why birds fly in a V formation. First, flying in this pattern cuts back on wind resistance. Birds typically take turns being the leader so they can take advantage of the energy savings. Another reason why birds fly in a V is that it makes it easier to monitor all group members.


Why do birds eat window screens?

If a bird appears to be eating your window screen, it probably intends to use the screen as nesting material. It could also have to do with the bird seeing its own reflection and feeling territorial. This can lead birds to peck at window screens as well.


Why do birds peck windows?

Birds typically peck windows because they see their reflection. They think it’s another bird and begin to defend their territory by pecking at the window.

Jessica Allen
Jessica Allen

With a lifelong passion for writing plus strong enthusiasm for home improvement and DIY projects, joining the team at Upgraded Home was an easy choice. Jessica Allen likes to share helpful information with current and aspiring homeowners. Aside from writing, Jessica loves doing yoga, playing the piano, and dabbling in graphic design.

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