An Eastern Whip-poor-will dies after colliding with a building. (Photo via Fatal Light Awareness Program’s Facebook page.)

Every fall, four billion birds migrate south to escape Canada’s cold winter. Up to 42 million won’t make it because they’ve flown into a window.

Some birds die instantly from concussion, shock, internal bleeding, broken bones, or brain damage. Others die later from their injuries or because they are unable to protect themselves from predators.

Bird’s-eye view

Why do so many birds fly into windows?