Bird Collisions with Glass Panes: An Emerging Threat
Researchers in the Nilgiris have documented a growing danger for local avian species: collisions with glass surfaces. The study, titled “Glass traps: Investigating bird mortality at glass-fronted buildings in the Nilgiris,” was carried out between January and December 2024 in Forestdale and Coonoor.
Field Observations and Findings
The research team recorded 35 incidents involving 22 bird species from 15 families. Among these, 16 birds were found dead, while 18 others were injured due to collisions.
- The Indian blue robin (Luscinia brunnea) recorded the highest number of collisions.
- It was followed by the Greenish warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides), Kashmir flycatcher (Ficedula subrubra), and Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea).
Impact on Resident Species
Several resident species were notably affected:
- White-cheeked barbet (Megalaima viridis)
- Spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis)
- Brown wood owl (Strix leptogrammica)
- Common barn owl (Tyto alba)
- Hill swallow (Hirundo domicola)
- Red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)
Study Context and Conditions
The research was conducted around glass-fronted commercial buildings adjacent to gardens. The surrounding environment included semi-evergreen forests, shola ecosystems, and non-forest regions mainly consisting of tea plantations.
“The study highlights the urgent need for mitigation strategies to reduce bird collisions with reflective and transparent surfaces in biodiversity-rich regions.”
Publication and Authors
The study was conducted by N. Moinudheen, K. Rishi, A. Abinesh, Azad Kamil, Yeshwanth Kumar, E. Vignesh, and A. Samson. It was published in the journal Ornis Hungarica on Friday.
Author’s Summary: The study reveals a significant and preventable cause of bird mortality in the Nilgiris, urging better architectural designs to minimize collisions.