Birds don’t speak in sentences — but their behavior tells a story. Pick what you saw to learn what it usually means, how the season changes the picture, and whether you should do anything.
About these explanations
This isn’t a literal translation of bird language. Explanations summarize what ornithologists generally understand about each behavior; individual birds and species vary. For species-specific behavior, the Cornell Lab’s All About Birds is an excellent next stop.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is a bird attacking my window?
It usually sees its reflection as a rival during breeding season. Break up the reflection on the outside of the glass; the behavior typically stops after nesting season.