# At least 1,000 migratory birds died slamming into Chicago's skyscrapers

> Chicago's skyscrapers killed over 1,000 migratory birds during weekend migration, with volunteers collecting corpses in tiny bags.
- Title: At least 1,000 migratory birds died slamming into Chicago's…
- Summary: Chicago's skyscrapers killed over 1,000 migratory birds during weekend migration, with volunteers collecting corpses in tiny bags. Over 1,000 migratory birds…
- Keywords: chicago, migratory birds, skyscrapers, bird deaths, bird collision monitors, bird-safe glass, chicago city council, bird-friendly construction, news, entertainment, least, 000
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16223393/migratory-birds-died-slamming-Chicago-skycrapers-corpses-tiny-bags.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-20T15:07:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chicago, migratory birds, skyscrapers, bird deaths, bird collision monitors, bird-safe glass, chicago city council, bird-friendly construction, news, entertainment
## Migratory birds die in Chicago
At least 1,000 migratory birds died from injuries after crashing into Chicago skyscrapers over the weekend.
## Chicago on migratory route
The Windy City sits along Lake Michigan's southwestern shore and is part of North America's biggest migratory route.
## High bird traffic
Over five million migratory birds flew into Chicago on Friday alone, according to Cornell Lab Bird Cast data.
## Volunteers collect birds
About 25 Chicago Bird Collision Monitors volunteers met Saturday to collect injured or dead birds downtown and at Northwestern University.
## Birds hit glass windows
Volunteers reported birds hitting glass windows over their heads as they worked from 6:00 am to sunset.
## Over 1,000 birds collected
The team collected over 1,000 birds for the Field Museum, with the number likely higher.
## Birds need protection
Bird advocates say Chicago needs better regulations for new buildings to protect migratory birds.
## Textured glass solution
Developers can install textured glass that birds can identify as solid structures to prevent collisions.
## City council push
Bird advocates are urging Chicago City Council to pass an ordinance requiring bird-friendly building protections.
## Past ordinance failed
The first attempt to pass bird-friendly building regulations was quashed a decade ago.
## Current ordinance progress
The newly drafted ordinance is being sent to the Zoning Committee for a meeting today.
## Bird advocates' stance
Bird advocates say development can be sustainable without harming migratory birds.
## Bird-friendly goals
Bird advocates want Chicago to have beautiful buildings and beautiful birds coexisting.
## Next steps
The ordinance could be voted on next week, with advocates hoping for swift passage.
## Key takeaway

Over 1,000 migratory birds died after crashing into Chicago skyscrapers during weekend migration, prompting calls for bird-friendly building regulations.