Infographic aiming to raise awareness regarding the problem of birds’ deaths in NYC due to reflective glass buildings and light pollution, as well as what we, as a community can do to solve this issue!
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Category: Public Awareness Campaign
This website aims to raise awareness regarding the alarming number of deaths of NYC migratory birds due to two main factors: high buildings with a reflective exterior and light pollution. Together we can take a step to fix this issue, and save species of birds that are in danger of going extinct due to collisions during the migratory seasons!
Birds are important for the environment we all share and live in, and it is our responsibility to look after our little friends with feathers!
Raising awareness is important, and we are here to fulfill that goal!
Take a look at this presentation regarding Migratory Birds in NYC and why it is important that we take action NOW!
Too many birds have lost their lives over new inventions and building infrastructure. New types of glass, new types of lights, and the height of buildings etc. have all played parts into bird deaths over the many years. Changes are needed to protect and preserve the life of birds. Birds and humans should be able to coexist together and producing buildings of the sort doesn’t help this matter at all.
Firstly, different tech and Innovation Bird Collision Detecting Tech Invest in tech that can pick up on bird movement and alert building operators to potential collisions, allowing for timely interventions. While also introducing bird-visible smart glass, advancements in smart glass technology that can change in opacity or color based on environmental conditions. “Use of visual markers like wind socks, blinds, decals, banners, and hanging decorations on or near windows (ideally outside) to break up the reflective surface of the glass and make it more visible to birds reduces the risk of birds striking and helps to prevent birds from accidentally flying into windows, which can cause injury or death.” Motwani, Dr. K. T. (2023)
This shows using forms of glass that are not so reflective, or using patterns that make the glass itself, in the form of a window, more discernible to birds. This would, of course, add a whole new level of “smartness” to the not-inexpensive façades of our many tall, shiny, and very much in-the-way buildings
Another way to help solve this tragedy of bird death is inventing new laws and policies, building codes that can be safer for birds such as safety nets, urging the passage of local laws that require new construction and major remodeling to be safe for birds. “Installing nets or screens is also an effective way to create a barrier between birds and a risky transparent surface. Netting is relatively easy to fix, requiring no major modifications to the structure and with minimal impact on the vision from the inside or the aesthetic value of the structure can be used ”. Motwani, Dr. K. T. (2023)
Lastly, another convincing way to help improve life for these birds are public awareness and education, community engagement campaigns which can help carry out the educational campaigns necessary to make the public aware of the significance of conserving and preserving their population, which is rapidly declining because of human actions.
VerCauteren, T. (2024) Collaboratives Behind the Scenes: Bird Conservancy of the Rockies [Photograph]. Center For Collaborative Conservation
Enthusiastic attempts to conserve birds within communities are likely to be undermined by the continued loss of their habitats because of unaware public understanding of the issues involved. Citizen science programs enlist community members, youth population especially, in the monitoring of local bird populations and habitats.
In summary, bird life preservation isn’t a corner that should go unturned. Taking care of the problem of avian mortality in New York City takes a combination of unique, innovative designs, congressional action, and most importantly public education. Just as New York City life can be a dream, so too can it be a bird conservationist’s. Because any building can be a potential death trap, the crucial next steps are to find a way to educate builders and tenants about the problems their structures might pose and the kinds of solutions that might alleviate them. The burden can’t be on the birds.
References
Motwani, Dr. K. T. (2023). Preventing bird deaths due to collisions into tall structures. Retrieved from
Every year in New York City, up to 230,000 birds tragically lose their lives due to collisions with glass-covered buildings during migration. According to NYC Audubon, this alarming figure indicates a serious problem impacting both regional and North American ecosystems (PolitiFact, 2024). For birds that migrate through this urban environment on a seasonal basis, the city’s landscape—which is characterized by towering buildings with reflective windows and artificial lights—presents a risky barrier (American Bird Conservancy, 2021). As a result, the bird populations have decreased by over 3 billion in the United States and Canada since 1970. This issue highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts (ABC, 2021).
Figure 1.
Pisano, S. (2024). Collisions with buildings is one of the leading anthropogenic causes of bird deaths. Gizmodo. https://gizmodo.com/bird-deaths-from-window-strikes-are-way-higher-than-we-ever-imagined-2000484686
The causes for these birds’ mass deaths are simple. The migratory birds run into reflective windows when they descend because of bad weather or fatigue, which causes high-impact accidents (ABC, 2021; Audubon, 2023). Birds frequently fly straight into the glass, mistaking it for the wide sky or adjacent trees. Artificial lights intensify the issue at night by misleading nocturnal migrants and luring them to lighted cityscapes. Recent die-offs near the World Trade Center illustrate how inclement weather, combined with rain, wind, bright lights, and glass surfaces, makes this tragic cycle occur more often (ABC, 2021).
Figure 2.
Nagle, M. (2023). Brookfield Place and One World Trade are among the city’s worst deathtraps for migrating birds, with about 100 colliding into the glassy buildings this year. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2024/11/13/us-news/bloody-bird-collisions-in-nyc-skyrocket-this-autumn/
Birds are important to preserving ecosystem equilibrium. They aid in pollination, seed distribution, pest management etc. In addition to posing a threat to biodiversity, their decline—which is intensified by urbanization—also runs the risk of destabilizing the ecosystems on which humans rely for environmental quality and food security (PolitiFact, 2024). Therefore, it is vital from an ethical, ecological, and public health viewpoint to address the causes of bird mortality in densely populated locations such as our city.
Figure 3.
Butcher, S. (2020). Nearly 1,000 birds have been killed this autumn from flying into New York City skyscrapers. NYC Bird Alliance
New York City has already responded by taking several actions, but much more needs to be done. Addressing the major cause of bird crashes in the 2020 passage of Local Law 15 was a big step. It mandates that new buildings have bird-friendly glass designs and lower window reflectivity (American Bird Conservancy, 2021). Additionally, the city supports programs like NYC Audubon’s “Project Safe Flight,” which keeps an eye on crash scenes and gives lawmakers statistical information to encourage safer building codes and retrofitted buildings (Audubon, 2023). By encouraging citizens and building owners to switch off extraneous lights, public efforts like “Lights Out New York” seek to reduce artificial light emissions during the migratory seasons. Evidence has shown that such initiatives lead to fewer bird casualties (Audubon, 2024).
Figure 4.
Schleiffer, P. (2007). Yellow Warblers migrate through New York City, stopping in our parks to feed and rest. This beautiful species also nests in all five boroughs. NYC Bird Alliance. https://nycbirdalliance.org/our-work/conservation/project-safe-flight
Making New York City a safer place for migratory birds, however, would require a greater effort. Adding non-reflective or patterned glass to older buildings to avoid crashes is still difficult and calls for more financing and support. Strengthening present efforts can be achieved by encouraging private building owners to make bird-friendly modifications to their properties. Educational initiatives encourage locals about the negative effects of light pollution and easy ways to make their homes bird-safe, like installing special window screens, utilizing window decals, or shutting blinds at night, especially the locals who live in high-building apartment complexes (ABC, 2021).
The risks are high, but every change contributes to a collective impact that can save thousands of birds’ lives annually. Organizations like NYC Audubon, the American Bird Conservancy, and grassroots advocates are working tirelessly to turn New York City into a model of urban wildlife conservation. However, engaging communities, raising public awareness, and demanding stronger bird-friendly laws will ensure that migratory birds continue to thrive for generations.
If interested in getting informed regarding this issue visit our full website: https://birdsproject.commons.gc.cuny.edu/
References
American Bird Conservancy. (2021). Mass Bird Deaths in NYC due to Building Collisions. Retrieved from abcbirds.org
NYC Audubon. (2023). Project Safe Flight Overview. Retrieved from audubon.org
PolitiFact. (2024). Bird Death Statistics in NYC and the U.S. Retrieved from politifact.com
New York City’s skyscrapers light up every night’s sky, creating a magnificent view of modern architecture. However, beneath the facade lies a dreadful reality: millions of migratory birds die each year as they collide with the city’s tall structures. The problem has escalated so far that this is now recognized as a pressing conservation issue, driven by many factors that are difficult to deal with in a city of NYC’s size. These tragic incidents not only impact the bird populations but also reflect the overlooked environmental consequences of urbanization.
The number of birds’ deaths in New York City is shocking. During migration seasons, hundreds of millions of birds pass through the area, often disoriented by the city’s dazzling lights and glass exteriors. According to a well-known study carried out by the New York City Audubon regarding the issue, up to 230,000 birds fatally lose their lives each year in the city alone as a result of the impacts of window collisions. Light pollution, which severely gravitates the problem, combined with architectural designs, creates a deadly combination. Birds are drawn to illuminated structures, especially during their nocturnal migrations, when they rely on celestial cues to navigate their route. When artificial lights disrupt this process, birds frequently fly towards these bright structures, colliding with windows or tiring themselves by circling the lights until they succumb to exhaustion.
Figure 1.
Breyer, M. (2021). Blackburnian Warbler found in downtown New York City. Audubon Magazine. https://www.audubon.org/news/a-video-captures-dreadful-toll-window-strikes-take-migrating-birds
Highly reflective surfaces also aggravate the situation because birds cannot distinguish between reflections and actual spaces. A bird may perceive a mirrored window as an open sky or a grove of trees, encouraging it to fly directly into the structure. Despite efforts to reduce such collisions through building design and light management, buildings such as the World Trade Center and the Javits Center have become notorious for bird death (American Bird Conservancy, 2021). Beyond the heartbreaking loss of individual lives, these crashes pose a greater harm to bird populations by increasing mortality rates across species.
Figure 2.
Jeffrey, J. (2024). After surviving building collisions, around 60 per cent of birds die in rehabilitation care. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2442907-bird-deaths-from-building-strikes-may-be-double-past-estimates/
Another contributing factor is the lighting used in New York City. White and blue lights, which are often utilized in metropolitan areas, are especially appealing to birds. According to studies, these lights interfere more with birds’ migratory pathways than red or amber lights. The lights not only interfere with their navigation but also lure them to regions they would normally avoid (Loss et al., 2014). We have to keep in mind that many birds migrating through New York are already under threat in their natural habitats, including habitat loss and climate change. For some species, urban fatalities may bring them closer to extinction.
Figure 3.
Nagle, M. (2019). One World Trade Center (WTC) stands in the lower Manhattan skyline as birds fly over the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey. https://www.npr.org/2019/04/07/710847132/big-cities-bright-lights-and-up-to-1-billion-bird-collisions
Addressing this challenge requires a combination of architectural, technological, and policy-oriented solutions. Reducing light pollution is one of the most immediate and cost-effective solutions. The “Lights Out” campaign, launched by the New York City Audubon, encourages building owners to turn off non-essential lights during peak migratory periods. This project has already had some success in reducing bird deaths, but participation remains voluntary. The building design also helps prevent bird crashes. Simple changes, such as patterned glass or window treatments, can assist birds in distinguishing mirroring surfaces from the open sky. These adjustments have been successfully implemented in cities such as Chicago and San Francisco, where similar challenges are being addressed (Sheppard, 2019).
The consequences of unchecked bird fatalities are far-reaching. Birds are crucial to maintaining balanced ecosystems. They are pollinators, seed distributors, and help in pest collection. An urban environment doesn’t make their role any less significant. Studies suggest that birds can help manage pest populations in cities, which could otherwise escalate without natural predators (Lepczyk et al., 2017). The loss of bird populations could create cascading effects, disrupting urban ecosystems and even affecting human residents in subtle ways. Moreover, many bird species are “indicator species,” meaning their health and presence can signal the well-being of broader environmental conditions. A decline in bird populations may point to deeper environmental issues that could eventually impact human health and quality of life.
Figure 4.
Gonzeles, C. (2024). Flocks of Double-crested Cormorants on New York Harbor Island. NYC Bird Alliance
While some building owners and organizations have taken proactive steps, large-scale change requires collective action. Increased public awareness can lead to stronger policies, such as mandating bird-friendly building standards for new constructions or retrofitting older buildings. Efforts to educate the public about turning off lights or modifying home windows can also contribute to reducing bird fatalities. By making small changes, New Yorkers can play a part in preserving entire species of birds and maintaining the city’s environmental diversity.
New York City is currently facing a clash between urban development and wildlife conservation. With better awareness and targeted solutions, however, there is potential to reduce the toll on bird populations. The subsequent blogs in this series will delve deeper into each of these areas, providing readers with a fuller understanding of the problem and offering actionable steps to help address it. By working together, New York can continue to be a world-renowned city while also setting an example for urban sustainability and wildlife conservation.
References
American Bird Conservancy. (2021). Why Birds Collide With Buildings — and What We Can Do About It. Retrieved from https://abcbirds.org
Lepczyk, C. A., La Sorte, F. A., Aronson, M. F., Goddard, M. A., MacGregor-Fors, I., Nilon, C. H., & Warren, P. S. (2017). Global patterns and drivers of urban bird diversity. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 284(1864), 20170850.
Loss, S. R., Will, T., & Marra, P. P. (2014). Estimates of bird collision mortality at wind facilities in the contiguous United States. Biological Conservation, 168, 201–209.
New York City Audubon. (2022). New York City Audubon Bird-Friendly Building Guidelines. Retrieved from https://nycaudubon.org
Sheppard, C. (2019). Bird-Friendly Building Design: Second Edition. American Bird Conservancy.
In recent years, bird populations have experienced devastating declines, with nearly 30% of North America’s birds disappearing since 1970. This alarming trend, highlighted by the loss of 2.9 billion birds, has captured the attention of conservationists, especially as urban landscapes like New York City pose unique threats to migratory species (Axelson, 2019). As one of the busiest migratory passages in the United States, the city becomes both a haven and a hazard for millions of birds during seasonal migrations. Here’s why this issue matters and what we can do to address it.
Figure 1
Bird Hotspots Within Manhattan, A Total of 340 Species Recorded in the Borough
Note. From Birding in NYC (Manhattan), NYC Bird Alliance (https://nycbirdalliance.org/events-birding/birding-resources/birding-in-nyc/birding-in-manhattan).
New York City’s towering skyline and intense artificial lighting present significant challenges for migratory birds. Each year, hundreds of thousands of birds collide with windows, often fatally. According to recent studies, bird-building collisions are one of the leading causes of avian mortality in urban areas, second only to habitat loss. The reflective surfaces of buildings confuse birds, who perceive mirrored skies or vegetation as viable flight paths. At night, artificial lights disorient birds, drawing them into urban areas, especially in New York City, where they face increased risks. This problem is compounded by broader declines in bird populations across the continent. Factors such as habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change worsen the pressures on bird species, making it crucial to mitigate the preventable causes of the between 90,000 and 230,000 migratory bird deaths in New York City (NYC Bird Alliance).
Migratory birds are not just beautiful; they are vital to ecosystems. Birds control insect populations, pollinate our native plants (e.g., vernonia noveboracensis, also known as New York ironweed), and disperse seeds, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity (NYC Parks). Their decline signals broader environmental health issues, often linked to human activities. As Dr. Ken Rosenberg of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology notes, these losses go beyond birdwatching: “Because birds are highly visible and sensitive indicators of environmental health, we know their loss signals a much wider loss of biodiversity and threats to human health and well-being” (Cornell Chronicle, 2022). Moreover, protecting birds aligns with global conservation goals, including mitigating climate change. Forests and other habitats sustained by bird activity act as carbon sinks, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Ensuring the survival of bird populations benefits both the wildlife and humanity within New York City’s parks, green roofs, and gardens.
Figure 2
Willow-Leaved Sunflowers and Ironweed Plants at the Pollinator Garden in Calvert Vaux Park
Note. From Pollinator Place Gardens, NYC Parks (https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/pollinator-place-gardens).
Reversing these trends requires a multi-faceted approach, involving individuals, communities, and policymakers. Here are some steps every New Yorker can take to help reduce the deaths of these migratory birds:
- Installing bird-safe glass and using decals or films to break up reflections to significantly reduce collisions. Cities like Toronto and San Francisco have adopted bird-friendly building codes, such as Section 139 of San Francisco’s Planning Code, which states that “buildings covered by the law must use bird-friendly glazing treatments identified and approved by the city, including: “fritting, netting, permanent stencils, frosted glass, exterior screens, physical grids placed on the exterior of glazing or UV patterns visible to birds” (Barges & Morris, 2023). Policies as such demonstrate that these changes are both feasible and effective.
- Programs like “Lights Out” created by National Audubon Society, a non-profit aiming to protect birds and their habitats, encourage building owners to dim or turn off lights during migration seasons (spring: March to June, and fall: August to November). This simple yet impactful measure can save thousands of birds annually. As cities embrace sustainability, reducing unnecessary lighting aligns with energy-saving initiatives as well.
- Advocating for policies such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act – supports state, tribal, private, and national efforts to recover wildlife already identified as threatened or endangered, providing up to $1.4 billion annually so they can implement their federally-approved Wildlife Action Plans – because they can prioritize and fund large-scale efforts to protect bird habitats and reduce threats (National Wildlife Federation).
- Citizen science programs, such as the Audubon Society’s bird counts, allow individuals to contribute data that informs conservation strategies. Additionally, urban greening projects, such as planting native vegetation, provide safe resting spots for migratory birds.
- Everyday decisions, like keeping cats indoors (considering “cats are invasive species that kill birds, reptiles, and other wildlife; despite being fed, they will kill wild birds and other animals by instinct”), avoiding pesticides, and supporting sustainable products (e.g., shade-grown coffee), also contribute to protecting bird populations (NYC Bird Alliance).
Figure 3
Each Year, Domestic Cats Kill Approximately 2.4 Billion Birds in the U.S.
Note. From Keep Cats Indoors, Photo by Ivan Radic, NYC Bird Alliance (https://nycbirdalliance.org/take-action/make-nyc-bird-friendly/keep-cats-indoors). CC BY 2.0
The loss of bird species is a “death by a thousand cuts” scenario, but every small change can make a difference. As the Cornell Lab emphasizes, this is a critical moment for conservationists, policymakers, and everyday citizens to unite in addressing this crisis. New York City, as a hub for bird migration, has a unique opportunity to lead by example, showcasing how urban spaces can coexist with nature. By protecting migratory birds, we preserve not only the beauty and biodiversity of our planet but also the intricate ecological systems that sustain all life. The time to act is now, before the silence of their absence becomes irreversible.
References
Axelson, G. (2019, September 19). Vanishing: More Than 1 In 4 Birds Has Disappeared In The Last 50 Years. All About Birds. www.allaboutbirds.org/news/vanishing-1-in-4-birds-gone/?__hstc=161696355.6918464d158dc99993a16d7c59d24643.1732028788251.1732028788251.1732028788251.1&__hssc=161696355.1.1732028788251&__hsfp=33.
Barges, M., & Morris, V. (2023, August). Building Safer Cities for Birds: How Cities Are Leading the Way on Bird-Friendly Building Policy. American Bird Conservancy. static1.squarespace.com/static/5bbd32d6e66669016a6af7e2/t/64de22e3a2ada630d505bbfb/1692279531414/Excerpt+2023+Bird+Friendly+City+Report+SF+Case+Study.pdf.
Birding In Manhattan (n.d.). NYC Bird Alliance. nycbirdalliance.org/events-birding/birding-resources/birding-in-nyc/birding-in-manhattan.
Global Bird Populations Steadily Decline (2022, May 5). Cornell Chronicle. news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/05/global-bird-populations-steadily-decline.
Keep Cats Indoors (n.d.). NYC Bird Alliance. nycbirdalliance.org/take-action/make-nyc-bird-friendly/keep-cats-indoors.
Pollinator Place Gardens (n.d.). NYC Parks. www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/pollinator-place-gardens.
Project Safe Flight: Helping Birds Migrate Safely Through New York City (n.d.). NYC Bird Alliance. nycbirdalliance.org/our-work/conservation/project-safe-flight
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (n.d.). National Wildlife Federation. www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Wildlife-Conservation/Policy/Recovering-Americas-Wildlife-Act
In New York City, a hidden crisis unfolds each spring and fall as thousands of birds on migration paths collide with the city’s glass-covered buildings. Brightly colored travelers such as warblers and woodpeckers face an untimely end when they fly into the reflective surfaces of buildings like Circa Central Park, a condominium complex near Central Park’s northwest corner (NYC Bird Alliance). These collisions are not isolated incidents but are part of a much larger, often devastating pattern affecting North America’s migratory bird populations.
Figure 1
Twenty-Eight Birds Found Dead After Flying Into Circa Central Park
Note. From Deathtrap NYC Condo Killed 28 Birds in One Day: Advocates, by Lapin et al., 2020, New York Post (https://nypost.com/2020/05/18/nonprofit-slams-upper-west-side-condo-for-killing-migratory-birds/).
Glass poses a particular danger to birds, as it reflects the sky and surrounding trees in ways that birds cannot perceive. Many migratory birds, accustomed to forests and open landscapes, observe these reflections as real and fly directly into them. As Dustin Partridge from NYC Audubon explains, the expanses of reflective glass in buildings like Circa have created tragic hotspots for bird collisions (New York Times, 2023). This issue is magnified in dense urban areas where the prevalence of glass structures and artificial lighting during migration seasons create particularly hazardous conditions.
The number of birds killed by building collisions each year in the United States reaches into the hundreds of millions. In New York, species like the white-throated sparrow and various warblers are disproportionately affected. The catastrophic loss of these migratory birds contributes to the overall 30 percent decline in North American bird populations since 1970 (New York Times, 2023). This decline is not due solely to collisions, as habitat loss and climate change compound the problem. However, the significant loss of life from glass collisions is an especially preventable cause.
Figure 2
White-Throated Sparrow
Note. From White-Throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia Albicollis), by Minardi, R., 2022, NYC Bird Alliance (https://nycbirdalliance.org/blog/white-throated-sparrow-zontrichia-albicollis).
Because it’s one of New York’s deadliest sites for birds, Circa Central Park’s building has gained much negative attention. Its unfortunate reputation as a “death trap” for birds has spurred both local outrage and an internal call for change. Many residents, driven by distress at the continual bird deaths, have rallied to implement bird-friendly solutions; their efforts include adding dot-patterned window films, which reduce reflectivity and make the glass visible to birds without greatly interfering with the views that draw people to live there. The first phase of this project, focused on the building’s courtyard, has cost around $60,000, signaling a substantial investment from residents toward mitigating bird deaths (New York Times, 2023).
This response at Circa is part of a larger trend. Conservation groups like NYC Audubon have collaborated with volunteers and citizens to patrol buildings, documenting bird casualties and advocating for citywide legislative changes. In cities nationwide, volunteers like Melissa Breyer of Project Safe Flight collect data, report findings, and push for awareness and prevention. “My most emotionally overwhelming day happened there on September 14, 2021,” she said. “It was a mass casualty. I found 270 carcasses at three buildings—all within 90 minutes. Guards and passersby were helping me, dropping birds in my lap” (NYC Bird Alliance, 2022). This basic effort is a key driver of the bird-friendly building standards now required for new constructions and major renovations in cities like New York and San Francisco.
Preventing bird collisions requires cooperation between architects, building owners, and residents. Cities across North America are introducing policies to support bird-friendly design, encouraging innovations like patterned or frosted glass, especially on buildings’ lower levels where most strikes occur. New York’s Javits Center, for instance, saw a 90 percent drop in bird collisions after its glass was redesigned with bird-safety features (NYC Bird Alliance).
Figure 3
The Dotted-Pattern Bird-Friendly Glass Used By The Javits Center
Note. By Javits Center, 2020, X (https://x.com/javitscenter/status/1214655285547155456).
For older buildings, retrofitting windows can be challenging, both financially and aesthetically. Yet, companies like Feather Friendly have seen rising demand for their bird-safe window treatments, suggesting a shift in attitudes among property owners (New York Times, 2023). NYC Audubon and similar organizations have found that public awareness is steadily transforming consumer expectations. People increasingly view bird-safe buildings as a desirable standard, and even a marketing advantage for real estate, as awareness of environmental issues continues to grow.
While New York has made progress, existing buildings remain a difficult hurdle for widespread implementation of bird-friendly standards. At Circa, although many residents support bird-safe retrofitting, some remain concerned about the impact on their views, especially those facing Central Park. The property board’s decision to move forward gradually—testing initial changes in the less scenic courtyard first—exemplifies the compromises and negotiations that often characterize retrofitting projects.
Figure 4
Circa Central Park’s Landscaped Courtyard
Note. From Amenities, Circa Central Park (https://www.thecircacentralpark.com/amenities).
However, the costs of inaction may ultimately be more compelling. Bird fatalities, well-documented and shared widely on social media, are beginning to influence building marketability. Some residents and architects argue that a building’s reputation as a “bird killer” can lower its appeal to environmentally conscious buyers or tenants.
The issue of bird collisions in New York City sheds light on the need for innovative, ethical urban design that accommodates both human and wildlife needs. From Circa Central Park to the World Trade Center, community-driven conservation efforts demonstrate a willingness to confront and mitigate the risks posed to migratory birds. The continuing shift towards bird-safe architecture signals hope that these collective efforts can reduce the tragic toll on bird populations.
References
Amenities (n.d.). Circa Central Park. https://www.thecircacentralpark.com/amenitiesCollision Monitoring
(n.d.). NYC Bird Alliance. https://nycbirdalliance.org/our-work/conservation/project-safe-flight/collision-monitoring
Einhorn, C. (2023). This N.Y.C. Building Is in the Bird-Killing Hall of Shame. It Wants Out. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/16/climate/new-york-birds-windows.html
Javits Center (2020). X. https://x.com/javitscenter/status/1214655285547155456
Lapin, T., Mongelli, L., Musumeci, N. (2020). Deathtrap NYC condo killed 28 birds in one day: advocates. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2020/05/18/nonprofit-slams-upper-west-side-condo-for-killing-migratory-birds/
Minardi, R. (2022). White-Throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia Albicollis). NYC Bird Alliance. https://nycbirdalliance.org/blog/white-throated-sparrow-zontrichia-albicollis
Robins, C. P. (2022). Introducing the Volunteers of Project Safe Flight. NYC Bird Alliance. https://www.nycbirdalliance.org/blog/introducing-the-volunteers-of-project-safe-flight
“Every year, millions of migrating birds cross the skies of New York City along one of the world’s busiest avian routes. Of these, up to 250,000 don’t make it. These unfortunates end up dead in the city’s streets, victims of collisions with brightly lit buildings.” – Jules Stewart, author of Migrating birds fall foul of New York’s bright lights.
The bright lights of Manhattan at sunset. Daniel Arranz/Shutterstock newyorkbirds.jpg
You may wonder how something as simple and normal as lights can harm birds and I’m going to explain why they are a big problem for them. Many migratory birds such as thrushes travel at night. The cooler, calmer night air lets them save energy as they fly, helping them stay hydrated and avoid tiring out too quickly. These birds travel long distances from the United States to Central America at night to avoid predators and conserve energy. Artificial lights, which are the lights created by humans, can attract large numbers of night-migrating birds from as far as 5 kilometers away and confuse their sense of direction. Birds are normally guided by moonlight and starlight, which are stable and give them reliable guidance, but the lights of buildings can confuse their direction. When they see city lights, especially tall and very intense ones they think they are landmarks or the sky. By getting stuck in the illuminated area and traveling in circles, many birds become exhausted, without enough energy to continue their journey and in confusion crash into windows and die instantly.
Wood Thrush, All about birds, Cornell labs of Ornithology. id
This disorientation caused by artificial lights goes beyond exhaustion and crashes. As some researchers explain, bright city lights can interfere with the three main orientation mechanisms birds rely on: “solar, stellar, and magnetic” compasses. For example, “artificial light may…interfere with the stellar compass, which forms when young birds identify the center of celestial rotation during their first spring” and use constellations to guide their path. With the increasing glow of urban areas, these constellations become harder to see, leaving birds vulnerable to losing their way. Additionally, artificial light can disrupt the magnetic compass by affecting a radical-pair process in the retina that helps birds detect Earth’s magnetic field. This interference, combined with the glare of intense lights that “bleaches the rhodopsin in their retina,” (Adams, C., Hernandez-Juricic, E., Bayne, E., & St. Clair, C., 2021) leaves birds unable to see dim celestial light or identify reliable landmarks. These compounded effects make artificial lighting a persistent and deadly hazard for migratory birds.
Birds flying around the iconic Flatiron Building in New York. Image: Shutterstock
“Migratory birds depend on cues from properly timed seasonal schedules. Artificial lights can cause them to migrate too early or too late and miss ideal climate conditions for nesting, foraging, and other behaviors.” (Darksky, 2023). Migratory birds depend on natural cues, like the length of daylight and temperature changes, to know when it’s time to start their journey. These signals help them determine the best time to fly, ensuring they find the best conditions for feeding, nesting, and surviving. But when we add artificial lights into the mix, it messes with their natural instincts. Bright lights at night can confuse the birds, making them think it’s earlier or later in the season than it really is. This could make them leave too early or too late. If they leave too soon, they might run into bad weather or not find enough food. If they leave too late, they could miss out on the best conditions for breeding or foraging.
It’s easy to forget how our actions affect the world around us, especially the animals that live in the same spaces. Migrating birds are just trying to survive, and something as simple as city lights is throwing them off track. By making small changes, like dimming our lights at night or designing buildings that are safer for birds, we can help make sure they have a better chance. It’s a simple fix for us, but it could make a world of difference for these birds and the future of wildlife.
References
Stewart, J. (2024, February 2), Migrating birds fall foul of New York’s bright lights, Geographical.
Migrating-birds-fall-foul-of-new-yorks-bright-lights
Adams, C., Hernandez-Juricic, E., Bayne, E., & St. Clair, C., (2021, December 15), Effects of artificial light on bird movement and distribution: a systematic map, Environmental Evidence. s13750-021-00246-8
Staff, (2023, November 13), Light pollution harms wildlife and ecosystems.
Every year, millions of birds crash into buildings as they navigate through cities, disoriented by bright lights and reflective surfaces. But some cities are taking action to change that. Places like San Francisco and Minneapolis have started redesigning buildings to be more bird-friendly. For example, they use special glass that birds can see, helping them avoid dangerous collisions. Additionally, many buildings now dim their lights at night during migration seasons, making it easier for birds to stay on course. These small changes are a step in the right direction, proving that with a little creativity, we can make our cities safer for both people and wildlife. It’s encouraging progress, but there’s still more work to be done.
The Manhattan skyline as seen from across the Hudson River in Hoboken, N.J. George Etheredge for The New York Times
New York City has taken significant steps to protect migratory birds, starting with initiatives like the Lights Out New York Program, launched in 2005 by the NYC Bird Alliance. This program encourages buildings to dim or turn off non-essential nighttime lights during migration seasons, reducing the risk of disorientation and collisions. However, NYC Bird Alliance said “achieving an impactful level of consistent ‘lights out’ participation by the City’s buildings has proved challenging” due to New York’s vast size and the sheer number of brightly lit structures. To address these challenges, the city passed groundbreaking bird-friendly design legislation in 2019 and is now advocating for laws requiring reduced artificial lighting during spring and fall migration. These efforts not only aim to save countless birds but also contribute to sustainability by lowering energy consumption.
The renovated Jacob K. Javits convention Center incorporates bird friendly facade and a seven-acre green roof. Photo: Javits Center
The Javits Center in New York City is a shining example of how urban buildings can prioritize bird-friendly design without compromising functionality or aesthetic appeal. According to the NYC Bird Alliance, this iconic convention center has transformed into a wildlife sanctuary while maintaining its role as a hub for innovation and business. In 2014, the Javits Center made a bold move to replace nearly one-third of its original glass with stainless steel panels, significantly reducing reflective surfaces. For the remaining glass, they installed low-reflection panes featuring a frit-dot pattern that alerts birds to the presence of solid barriers while minimizing the illusion of open sky. The results speak for themselves: a 90% reduction in bird collisions was recorded after these changes. This transformation not only sets a national standard for sustainability but also proves that urban infrastructure and environmental conservation can go hand in hand. By investing in bird-friendly design, the Javits Center has become a leader in creating safer spaces for migratory birds while continuing to serve as a community partner and leader in innovation.
Nashville warbler, Migrating birds of Central Park, September 24, 2023, David Barret
There are simple ways we can help reduce the impact of artificial light on migratory birds, especially during their peak migration seasons (April to May and August to November). One easy step is turning off bright exterior lights like floodlights and decorative displays between 11 PM and 6 AM. Doing this not only helps birds stay safe but also cuts down on energy costs. Other helpful actions include switching off lights in empty rooms or unused areas, using lights that point downward, and adding motion sensors to keep lights on only when needed. At night, you can use smaller desk lamps instead of big overhead lights and close curtains or blinds to keep light from spilling outside.
In conclusion, while New York City has made strides in addressing the threat that artificial light poses to migratory birds, there’s still much to be done. The efforts of programs like Lights Out New York and the bird-friendly design initiatives seen in buildings like the Javits Center are crucial steps forward. By continuing to push for city-wide participation in dimming lights during migration seasons and promoting sustainable design in urban infrastructure, we can significantly reduce the risks to birds. It’s clear that protecting wildlife and conserving energy don’t have to be mutually exclusive goals—by being mindful of our lighting choices, we can create a more harmonious balance between urban life and the natural world. Every small action counts, and together, we can help ensure a safer, brighter future for both people and birds.
References
NYC Bird Alliance, Bird friendly building examples, nycbirdalliance.org.
Allen, D. and DeCandido, R., (2023, October 4), Migrating birds of central park/nyc-Autumn 2023, birding bob.
Migrating-birds-of-central-park-and-manhattan-autumn-2023
New York State, (2022, May 20), ‘Lights Out’ Initiative Launched in New York to Protect Migrating Birds, Department of Environmental Conservation
lights-out-initiative-launched-in-new-york-to-protect-migrating-birds
NYC Bird Alliance, Lights out legislation, nycbirdalliance.org
