Research Shows Turning Off Building Lights at Night Reduces Bird Collision Cases

A study based on decades of research found that turning off building lights at night can prevent migrating birds from colliding with structures.

Birds have special abilities when it comes to exploration. Building lights can be perplexing to them, especially on gloomy evenings, causing them to circle in circles. Some people may collide with buildings if they see plants or trees reflected in the windows.

Over the last half-century, the United States has lost more than a quarter of its bird population, or around 3 billion birds.

"Buildings are killing birds all around North America and the world, and it adds up," said Doug Stotz, a senior conservation biologist at the Field Museum. I believe that this research will demonstrate why it is critical to turn off indoor illumination as well, particularly in Chicago, the country's worst city for migrating birds."

Van Doren thinks that the research will complement initiatives currently underway in Chicago, such as the Lights Out program, which urges owners and managers of tall buildings to turn off lights to prevent migratory disturbance and urges people to do the same.

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