How To Stop Birds Attacking
Car Mirrors and Windows

By Richard Worden

Have you ever seen a bird attacking its own reflection in a car window or mirror? This can be a pretty alarming sight, especially if it is your vehicle. So if you’re wondering how to stop birds attacking car mirrors and windows read on!...

You can stop birds from attacking your car mirrors and windows by moving your car away from areas where birds like to perch, using a car or mirror cover, folding your mirror in, or making the area less hospitable to birds.

Stopping a bird from seeing itself is crucial to get it to stop attacking its reflection. This article will discuss various methods to prevent birds from attacking car mirrors and windows. Read on for everything you need to know about protecting your car.

Why Do Birds Fly Into Car Mirrors?

While it may be shocking to see a bird repeatedly flying into or violently pecking at a car mirror or window, it is a matter of territorial defense for the bird. As territorial creatures, birds will actively defend their spaces and can become quite aggressive about it.

This is true even when it comes to the bird’s own reflection. After seeing its reflection in a window or car mirror, a bird might mistakenly believe that there is a rival directly in front of it. When this happens, it will immediately become territorial and defensive.

Seeking to drive the rival away, it will begin attacking its reflection. Unfortunately, this can result in the bird hurting its beak. This behavior is more prominent during mating or nesting season.

How To Stop Birds From Attacking Car Windows

It can be disconcerting to see a bird repeatedly flying into your car, and you might become concerned that the bird might hurt itself or damage your car in some way. how to stop birds attacking car mirrors and windows
Luckily, there are several things you can do to stop birds from attacking their reflections in your car windows:

1. Move Your Car to Another Location

If you are experiencing this bird behavior in only one location, the best solution to your problem may be to move your car. It could be as simple as moving your regular parking space to one a few feet away.  

While this could be a slight inconvenience for you, depending on how far you have to move your car, you will be preventing injury to the bird and damage to your vehicle. In the end, the extra walk could be worth it.

2. Make the Area Less Hospitable to Birds

When you have control over the environment where your car is being targeted, consider what you could do to change it to make it less attractive to birds.

In doing so, you might need to consider moving bird feeders, fountains, or baths. For instance, if you have feeders in your front yard where your car is parked, consider moving them to your backyard.

The threat of competition over resources can also increase hostile behavior, making attacks on your windows more frequent.

The solution in this situation would be to move all the bird accommodations as far away from your parking spot as possible. You can still keep them, but ensure they will not attract the bird’s attention to your vehicle.

Additionally, if there are hedges or bushes near your parking spot, keep them well-trimmed. This will deter the bird from spending a lot of time in them. Birds love overgrown shrubbery, so add this task to your routine lawn maintenance checklist.

3. Consider a Car Cover

You also have the option of using a protective car cover. It is mildly inconvenient to have to ensure that your car is covered every time you get out of it. However, it will protect the vehicle from the attacking bird.

The cover will also offer the added benefit of weather protection, and can help protect your car from sap and falling leaves if you usually park under a tree. This option may be best suited to those with a higher vehicle investment.

4. Use a Predator Decoy

Birds that typically enjoy attacking car windows are smaller birds. Take advantage of this fact by using a predator decoy close to your car. 

For instance, you could place a fake owl statue close to where you normally park your car. Alternatively, and if this is a problem in various locations, consider printing out large, high-definition color photos of predator birds, and placing them facing out of your car windows. 

These predator decoys can help scare the birds away but you may need to move them around a little or change them as they will eventually become wise to what you’re doing. 

How To Stop Birds From Attacking Car Mirrors

Stopping birds from attacking car mirrors also involves various straightforward options. You can use the same steps to prevent attacks on windows, but if the bird is just attacking the mirror, you would not necessarily need to cover the entire car or park somewhere else.

Here are some helpful tips for stopping birds attacking your car mirrors: 

1. Cover the Mirror With a Bag

Just like you considered covering your entire car to prevent the birds attacking the windows, cover your mirrors. 

Although this is an unsightly solution, it works well and might not cost you anything if you opt for an old plastic or fabric grocery bag. Simply wrap it around your car mirror and wrap an elastic band around it. 

You may need to replace the bag every few months but it’s better than a bird attacking your car mirror! 

2. Use a Sock To Cover the Mirror

An alternative to the bag method is using a sock. You will need one that is large enough to stretch over the entire mirror. This option is more convenient than a bag because you do not have to keep track of the elastic that secures it but you just need to remember to keep a sock handy.

Opting for a dark color sock is a better option because it will show the dirt less and become less of an eyesore.

3. Fold Your Mirror In

Do you have a folding mirror? Then, this option is the best one for you. Just fold your mirror in when you get out of your vehicle. The bird will not be able to see its reflection and will steer clear of your car. You also won’t need to keep track of any extra tools, or spend any money.

4. Cut Out Cardboard To Fit the Mirror

If you are feeling crafty and you have some cardboard lying around the house, you can cut out a piece of cardboard that perfectly matches the shape and size of your mirror. The only downside to this option is that if it rains while you use it, you will likely need to make a new one.

How To Stop Birds Attacking Car Mirrors and Windows...Final Thoughts

Birds can be pretty fierce about protecting their territory, including attacking their reflection in a car window or mirror. 

To protect your vehicle from damage, you need to make it harder for the bird to see its reflection. You can move the car, cover the reflective surfaces, or make the surrounding area less hospitable. Ultimately, the goal is to stop the attack to keep your property and the bird from physical harm.

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Hi! I'm Richard Worden, the author and founder of We Know Birds.

Over 20 years ago I developed a keen interest in birds and birdwatching, and it has been my passion ever since. I am committed to spreading useful knowledge about birds to others so we might all enjoy them to the fullest.

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