For over two weeks now we have had a long tailed tit almost constantly knocking at our windows. It seems to go round the house knocking and was even seen knocking on a car window. Is it confusing its reflection with a mate? We are concerned that it will do itself harm.
Welcome to the forums longtail,
There are certainly many records of birds reacting to their own reflection, but usually the motives are aggressive rather than sexual. This said, the species is known for it's sociable behaviour. Young from previous broods will assist in the rearing of subsequent offspring. Maybe it's curiosity, or it could be finding small insects on and around the frames or on the glass.
The question of it recognising itsself and its perception of that self is a whole new ballgame!
Hope this helps,
MC
i have had the same thing with the 2 long tails that have been feeding in my garden to it seems that they have been taking all the little spiders that have decided to make webs there
Hi Longtail - This bizarre behaviour is actually quite common, especially at this time of year. Before, and during, the breeding season, male birds try to find and establish territories and suitable nest sites. Some highly territorial birds, such as tits, finches and even crows, will attack windows, car external driving mirrors and other reflective surfaces.
The reason is that they can see their own reflection on the surface, and thinking it is an intruding male will try to attack it to defend its territory. This behaviour is prominent during the breeding season, but can happen at other times of the year, particularly by birds such as the robin and grey wagtail, who hold winter territories. The bird has chosen the area around your house as part of his territory, and probably has a nest nearby, which he is now defending.
It can be stopped by putting cling film on the outside of the window to change the reflective qualities of the glass. If he's going to more than one window, start with the most frequently attacked window and this may break the pattern. No measures on the inside of the window will work, including closing the curtains as the reflection is on the outside pane - double glazed windows seem to be more problematic.
Silhouettes or shapes, even if placed on the outside, only seem to work for a short time before the birds learn to recognise the objects as posing no threat. The behaviour will often decline when the birds have hatched young but is often noted in the time between setting up a territory and mating and sometimes up to hatching of the first brood or between broods.
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