Why do birds keep flying towards my car?

Birds flying towards cars is a common occurrence that many drivers have experienced. There are a few main reasons why this happens:

Birds are attracted to objects that resemble trees or bushes

One theory is that birds instinctively fly towards trees and bushes to find food, shelter, and nesting spots. From a bird’s perspective, a car driving down the road may resemble a tree or bush. The motion of the car triggers the bird’s natural instinct to fly towards what looks like a tree. This is especially true for young, inexperienced birds who are still learning how to identify trees and navigate their environment.

Birds struggle to judge the speed of oncoming cars

Birds have very different visual perception and processing abilities compared to humans. They struggle to accurately judge the speed of fast-moving objects like cars. So a bird may miscalculate the speed of an oncoming car and fail to veer off in time. This causes them to inadvertently fly into the car’s path.

Birds become transfixed by approaching headlights

Some ornithologists believe birds may become visually transfixed and hypnotized by approaching headlights. The bright lights override the bird’s instincts to flee. This causes them to freeze up and collide with the front grills of cars. This theory may explain why birds often fly towards cars at night.

Why do birds target certain cars over others?

While all cars are at risk for bird strikes, some cars seem to be more prone to hits than others. Here are some reasons why birds may target specific cars:

Color of the car

Birds can see color vision like humans, though their color range is shifted compared to ours. Some studies indicate birds may be attracted to certain colors like red or black. So a brightly colored car may grab a bird’s attention and lure them towards it.

Movement and speed of the car

The way a car is moving can influence a bird’s reaction. Birds seem to be more likely to fly towards cars that are moving faster. Quick acceleration or jerky motions may startle a bird and override their instincts to veer away.

Sound of the engine

Loud engines or specific frequencies may attract curious birds. Or it could prevent them from hearing danger approaching and cause confusion. Hybrids and electric cars that are quieter may be less likely to attract birds with sound.

Location of the car

Birds are more abundant in certain habitats and areas. So cars driving through regions with more birds like coastal areas or migration zones will inevitably have more bird strikes.

Which birds are most likely to fly into cars?

Not all bird species react the same way around cars. Here are some birds that are notorious for car collisions:

European starlings

European starlings are a common culprit. These chunky black birds with yellow beaks form massive flocks that swarm cars. They are attracted to moisture that accumulates on car grills.

Gulls

Seagulls and other coastal gull species frequently crash into oceanside cars. Their seaside habitat brings them in contact with coastal roads. And they are bold around vehicles and people.

Vultures

Scavenging birds like turkey vultures and black vultures often scour roads for carrion. Their focus on potential roadkill makes them oblivious to oncoming cars.

Pigeons

Ubiquitous city pigeons are prone to flying across busy streets into traffic. Their abundance around cities and human infrastructure puts them in the path of cars daily.

Small songbirds

Warblers, sparrows, flycatchers and other small songbirds account for the majority of car collisions. They form large migratory flocks and their small size makes them harder to spot.

When are birds most likely to crash into cars?

Bird-car collisions are not evenly distributed throughout the year. Here are the peak times of year to be on high alert:

Spring migration (March to May)

Billions of birds migrate north in spring, forming dense flocks that pose collision risks. Exhausted migrants stopover and refuel near roads.

Fall migration (August to November)

The southbound autumn migrations bring another surge of birds congesting roads, often young birds on their first migration.

Early mornings and evenings

Birds are most active at dawn and dusk when poor visibility makes it harder to avoid cars. Their circadian rhythms lead to peak activity at these crepuscular times.

Winter months

Some birds like waterfowl form massive winter flocks that heighten collision risk. And birds concentrate near roads to forage for food and salt.

Rainy, cloudy, foggy weather

Low visibility during inclement weather causes more crashes. Birds struggle to see oncoming cars through rain, clouds and fog.

How can we prevent birds from flying into cars?

Here are some tips to reduce collisions between birds and vehicles:

Drive slower

Lower speeds give birds more reaction time to avoid cars. This is especially key in areas with abundant birds.

Avoid sudden acceleration or braking

Steady, predictable driving is less likely to startle birds and cause crashes. Smooth, gradual speed changes let birds adjust.

Use warning sounds or flags

Devices that produce ultrasonic bird warnings or visual deterrents can alert birds away from cars.

Schedule travel to avoid migrations

When possible, plan trips around peak migration months in spring and fall when roadways are crowded with birds.

Focus fully on driving

Paying attention to the road and surroundings lets you spot birds earlier and brake for them. Being alert and minimizing distractions helps avoid collisions.

Conclusion

Birds habitually flying into the path of cars is an ominous and destructive phenomenon. But by understanding bird behavior patterns and implementing preventative measures, drivers can mitigate collisions and coexist safely with our avian neighbors. Simple actions like driving attentively, maintaining lower speeds, and being vigilant during migrations go a long way in allowing both birds and motorists to share the road.