When a cardinal persistently pecks or flies into your window, it can be a confusing sight. This behavior is a common occurrence, particularly during certain times of the year, and often leaves homeowners wondering about the reasons behind the bird’s actions.
The Reason Behind the Behavior
The primary driver behind a cardinal attacking a window is its strong territorial instinct. During the breeding season, from early spring to mid-summer, male cardinals become highly protective of their territories. This includes defending against perceived rivals that might compete for mates or resources.
A window’s reflective surface acts like a mirror, creating an illusion of another cardinal within the bird’s territory. The bird does not comprehend that the image is its own reflection. Instead, it perceives this reflection as an intruding competitor. This territorial display can involve pecking, fluttering, and even singing vigorously to assert dominance over the imaginary rival. Both male and female cardinals can exhibit this behavior, but it is more commonly observed in males due to their role in territorial defense during the breeding season.
Is the Cardinal in Danger?
While the cardinal’s behavior is driven by instinct, repeated impacts against a window can have negative consequences. Constant pecking and flying lead to stress and physical exhaustion. This energy expenditure detracts from foraging for food, caring for young, or finding a mate.
Physical impacts can cause injuries, from concussions to internal bleeding or broken bones. Even if a bird flies away after a collision, it may have sustained injuries not immediately visible, affecting its long-term health or survival. While some instances may not result in severe harm, the cumulative effect of repeated encounters can be detrimental to the cardinal.
Practical Solutions to Stop It
To deter a cardinal from attacking your window, eliminate or break up the reflection on the glass. Attaching screens to the outside of the window can obscure the reflection, providing a physical barrier and making the glass visible to the bird. Netting placed a few inches away from the window can also serve this purpose, ensuring the bird cannot reach the reflective surface.
Another method involves applying temporary coverings or markings directly to the exterior of the glass. Using soap or tempera paint to draw patterns on the outside of the window can disrupt the reflection. Window decals, tapes, or films designed for bird safety can also be used, spaced closely (e.g., a grid pattern of 2×2 or 2×4 inches). Hanging strips of reflective tape, metallic pinwheels, or newspaper strips on the outside can create visual disturbances.
Relocating bird feeders or baths can also help; placing them either within 3 feet or more than 30 feet from windows reduces collisions or territorial disputes. Consistency in applying these solutions is important, as cardinals are persistent in defending their perceived territory. Making the window less reflective or visually confusing for the bird will encourage it to seek out other areas for its territorial displays.