Collisions with buildings kill an estimated 600 million birds in the U.S. every year, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The top three most dangerous cities for bird collisions—Chicago, Houston, and Dallas—are located within the heart of North America’s most trafficked aerial corridors, according a new Cornell study.
That fact, along with their considerable size, makes these cities dangerous to migrating birds in the spring and fall.
Seventy percent of bird species in the U.S. are migratory, and more than 80% of those migrate at night. Urban light pollution attracts avian travelers, leading them to crash into buildings.
Strategies to prevent these usually fatal collisions include constructing bird-friendly buildings with patterned glass or dimmer lights. Lawmakers in New York and Chicago are considering legislation to improve bird safety into new building rules.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2020
Landlords scramble to comply with the New York City Council’s Climate Mobilization Act (CMA)
Intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve efficiency for buildings larger than 25,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2020
New document to determine THERM finite element modeling surface temperatures released
Process often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2020
HUD issues guidance on emotional support animals
Clarifies the responsibilities of rental housing providers and renters.
Codes and Standards | Feb 4, 2020
New Jersey to become first state to require building contractors to consider climate change impact
Governor has seven key strategies for emissions cuts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2020
Colorado ranks first in LEED Top 10 states
Rankings of states for LEED certified square feet per person released.
Codes and Standards | Jan 30, 2020
Dramatic demographic shifts poised to alter global workplace
By 2030, Millennials and Generation Z will dominate workforce.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2020
Half of Manhattan’s new residential skyscrapers are empty
Excess comes as middle class housing shortage worsens.
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2020
Updated Engineered Wood Construction Guide now available
Provides guidance on building engineered wood floors, walls, and roofs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council earns ANSI certification
FenStar Certification Program ensures windows, doors, and skylights meet Energy Star specifications.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2020
Rent control policies backfire on goal of boosting affordable housing
Natl. Apartment Assn. study says rent control decreases housing supply, harms condition of housing stock.
