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Bird-Friendly Buildings: Chicago's Council Considers New Ordinance
6 Sep
Summary
- Tens of thousands of birds die annually from Chicago building collisions.
- A new ordinance may mandate bird-friendly designs for new constructions.
- McCormick Place reduced bird strikes by 95% after a retrofit.
Chicago faces a significant challenge as millions of birds undertake their fall migration, with the city's architecture posing a deadly threat. Bird advocates estimate that tens of thousands of birds perish annually due to collisions with buildings. These structures present fatal obstacles, whether through reflective glass that mimics open space or transparent surfaces that birds attempt to fly through.
Nighttime lighting further disorients these migratory travelers. Recognizing this crisis, the Chicago City Council is set to consider an ordinance this month. This proposed legislation aims to establish mandatory bird-friendly design standards for new construction and major renovations. Such measures are deemed necessary, as voluntary efforts have proven insufficient.
Advocates point to successes like McCormick Place, which achieved a 95% reduction in bird strikes after a targeted retrofit in 2024, following a single morning where 1,000 birds died. The push for these regulations highlights Chicago's critical role in North American bird migration routes.
