What should I do if a bird hits my window in New Zealand?

If a bird has just hit your window, keep pets and people away and seek wildlife advice promptly. A bird that looks stunned—or later flies away—may still be injured. For a native bird, or if you are unsure whether it is native, call DOC on 0800 362 468. Shopping for window decals can wait until help for the bird is arranged.

Use the right New Zealand help route

• One or two native birds injured, sick or dead: call DOC’s 24-hour hotline, 0800 362 468.
• A non-native bird: contact your local SPCA, wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary clinic for advice.
• Three or more sick or dead wild birds together: call MPI’s Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline, 0800 80 99 66. Do not handle them or take them to a rescue centre yourself.

These routes follow DOC’s current sick, injured and dead wildlife guidance. If identification is uncertain, explain that when you call rather than delaying to get the species exactly right.

Keep the situation quiet and follow the advice you receive

Note the location and what happened. Keep cats, dogs and onlookers back. Do not feed, medicate or attempt to rehabilitate the bird yourself. DOC’s current general advice is not to touch wildlife; ask the responder whether and how to contain or transport this particular bird.

SPCA New Zealand’s injured-bird guidance highlights warning signs including bleeding, inability to stand, breathing difficulty and unconsciousness. Do not put yourself at risk trying to handle a large or distressed bird. If a responder instructs you to contain it, follow their directions and phone ahead before transport.

Do not use “it flew away” as a medical all-clear

The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council explains that some collision injuries are not obvious and may not immediately prevent flight. Tell the wildlife professional what you observed and follow their advice. This page cannot assess the bird’s condition or provide release clearance.

Useful details include when the impact happened, the exact pane, whether the bird is moving normally and whether a cat or dog has had contact with it. Take a photograph only if you can do so without approaching or disturbing the bird.

Once help is arranged, assess the glass

Record the whole window from outside and note reflections or an apparent route through the building. Check neighbouring panes as well. Do not assume the next bird will learn to avoid the glass, or that one added silhouette resolves the risk.

US Geological Survey guidance describes dense exterior marking as a prevention approach. The practical task is a suitable visible pattern across the pane, not simply choosing a bird motif you like.

Consider the prevention plan separately from the rescue

Closely spaced, clearly visible exterior markings help birds recognise the glass as a barrier or obstacle, rather than an open flight path. This depends on suitable contrast and coverage across the whole pane; isolated decorative stickers are not a guarantee against collisions.

YDS Flying Kererū Window Decals offer four bird shapes in the selected pack. They are a decorative product option to discuss after the immediate welfare issue is dealt with, not a treatment for an injured bird or a guarantee against another collision.

For large panes, the gaps and remaining clear areas need their own plan. Contact YDS Studio with glass dimensions and outside photographs if you want to discuss suitable graphics. For the bird itself, continue to rely on DOC, SPCA, a veterinarian or a qualified wildlife rehabilitator.