Millions of birds die in building collisions every year and Chicago can lead the way in preventing them.
Chicago sits at the crossroads of one of North America’s most heavily traveled migratory flyways, making our city a critical stopover for hundreds of species. But glass buildings and bright nighttime lights cause millions of bird deaths each year. Support bird-friendly building design and lighting standards so Chicago becomes a safer place for birds to pass through.
Up to a billion birds die in the United States each year from window collisions alone, making it one of the leading human-caused threats to bird populations. Simple, proven solutions exist: frosted or patterned glass, exterior screens, and turning off unnecessary lights during peak migration periods can dramatically reduce deaths.
Chicago has taken some steps in the right direction, but voluntary measures aren’t enough. Mandatory bird-friendly design standards for new construction and major renovations would protect the hundreds of species that fly through our region each spring and fall.
Add your voice to the call for stronger protections because the birds that visit Chicago belong to all of us.
