What to do if you find a bird that just hit your window?

3 November 2022 | Animal Stories

An Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis) that just hit the window

  • The best thing to do is to gently pick it up and transfer, as quickly as possible, to a cardboard box or container (preferably lined with a towel or shredded paper to prevent the bird from slipping and with some ventilation holes not large enough for the bird to escape) and place it in a cool, dark, quiet area where it won't overheat.
  • If the bird is obviously injured or bleeding, please transfer it to our KFBG Wildlife Rescue Centre (2483 7200) or call the SPCA Inspector Hotline (2711 1000) for assistance, as quickly as possible.
  • If no obvious injuries or bleeding are seen and the bird just appears stunned, let it rest for an hour and then attempt release. No handling is necessary, simply open the box in an open, outdoor space (preferably a place with no windows, stray cats, cars, or lots of people) such as a park and allow the bird to fly free. If after an hour, it is still unable to fly it should be transferred as above for medical attention.  

Many local and migratory birds are injured by flying into buildings or glass structures. The reflective surface and the transparency of windows makes it difficult for birds to detect them when flying at high speeds. 

Ways to prevent bird-window collision: https://www.kfbg.org/en/KFBG-blog/post/Window-Strikes-by-Birds-and-What-You-Can-Do-to-Prevent-Them/

Report cases to the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society for further actions: https://bit.ly/3GtgNEr