"DEAR JOAN: I live in the foothills and for the past two weeks, every morning between 7 and 7:30, a little bird lands on the frame of an upper window in our bedroom and proceeds to peck vigorously several times at the window, turns away a couple of seconds, sometimes hops to another spot, then repeats this cycle a few times, then flies off, often returning after a while, and then quits for the day."
"Few creatures understand that the birds they are seeing in windows and other reflective surfaces are actually just their own reflection. So they do what's natural and peck at the intruder to scare them away. The bird might also be pecking at small insects that could be around the window frame. Because he starts at a specific time and stops after a bit, I think it's probably a reaction to his reflection."
A dark-eyed junco is identified as the window tapper and is known for window-pecking behavior. The species is highly territorial and may attack its reflection as an intruder. Most birds do not recognize reflections as themselves and respond by pecking to drive the perceived intruder away. The bird may alternatively be probing for small insects along the window frame. Morning timing often results from sun angle creating temporary reflective surfaces that fade as the sun rises. Covering the window or leafing of trees can reduce or eliminate the behavior. Finches are noted to enjoy nyjer seed.
Read at The Mercury News
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