Bird Behaviour

[Stargazer]

A chaffinch or bullfinch keeps flying a few inches from where it is sitting on top of a covered water butt and hitting its beak on the window. It is not trying to eat anything as the glass window pane is clean. Also it is not looking on the windows sill for anything to eat - it Does not fly down to the sill even. Also as the windows are double glazed it is not trying to eat the linseed oil from window putty. The water butt is next to the window - a mere few inches - and this little bird is constantly bashing its beak against the glass. There is nothing inside the window that it is trying to reach and it is no it.s own reflection that it is attacking. Any suggestions from bird watchers?

[Khandro]

It thinks it's reflection is another bird

[MWG14]

Just tape something over that spot on the glass as a temporary measure.

[ladybirder]

Stick something on the window before it hurts itself. Perhaps a tea towel or something.

[barry1010]

Yes, it's seeing it's own reflection and being territorial

[roopower]

I think it is seeing a rival. I saw similar behaviour with a blue tit attacking itself in the neighbours car wing mirror.

[Georgiesmum]

This is common behaviour. It thinks it is another bird when he sees his reflection. Pull the curtain across on that window and your problem will be solved.

[Khandro]

GM; //Pull the curtain across on that window and your problem will be solved.//

That wont stop the refection on the outside

[Chipchopper]

Attacking it's own reflection would be my guess.