As Urbanization Accelerates, So Does the Need for Bird-Friendly Glass

As urbanization continues to reshape skylines, glass architecture has become a defining feature of modern design. But with this rise in reflective and transparent surfaces comes a growing ecological concern: bird collisions. Each year, up to 1 billion birds die in the U.S. alone from flying into glass they cannot perceive as a barrier. The built environment is evolving—and so are the expectations for how we design responsibly.

In response, cities across North America are introducing bird-friendly building ordinances to address this issue head-on. Municipalities like New York City, San Francisco, Madison, Arlington County, Cupertino, and Chicago have adopted policies requiring or encouraging bird-safe materials and design strategies. These regulations reflect a broader trend: bird-friendly architecture is becoming a standard, not a niche.

SageGlass BirdWell™ is our answer to this challenge. It’s a unique solution that combines the light and heat control of electrochromic glass with a laser-etched bird-friendly pattern on Surface #1—the outermost surface of the glass. This pairing delivers the best of both worlds: dynamic daylight control and enhanced bird safety.

What Makes BirdWell a Smarter Bird-Friendly Solution?

Surface #1 is the industry-recognized standard for bird safety. It’s the most visible to birds and the most effective at preventing collisions.

• Our laser etch on Surface #1 is designed to be less visually disruptive to humans than traditional ceramic frit, preserving design integrity while protecting wildlife.

• The industry is shifting toward Surface #1 laser etch, with many major manufacturers announcing offerings in the past year that align with this approach.

   

Understanding the Limitations of UV-Based Approaches

UV-reflective or UV-absorptive patterns have been promoted as bird-friendly solutions because some bird species can see ultraviolet light while remaining “invisible” to humans. However, their effectiveness is limited—and often misunderstood.

Here are a few common misconceptions about UV-based bird-friendly solutions:

• Myth #1: UV patterns are invisible to humans. In reality, they often appear as a haze or shimmer depending on lighting and viewing angle.
• Myth #2: UV markers work because birds see UV. While some species (like songbirds) do, many others—including raptors and pigeons—do not, making UV markers ineffective across a broad range of birds.

UV visibility also depends on lighting conditions. Under low light, shade, or overcast skies, UV patterns may not be visible to birds at all.

Source: American Bird Conservancy

Where Innovation Meets Responsibility

BirdWell is designed to meet this moment—combining aesthetics, performance, and responsibility in one integrated solution. As urbanization continues, let’s ensure our buildings grow smarter, safer, and more sustainable—for people and for birds.

Interested in learning more or starting a project with BirdWell? Contact us to connect with our team.