Bird Mortality Study Confirms U.S. Bank Stadium’s Danger to Birds

A study of bird mortality in Minneapolis confirms that hundreds of migratory birds are killed or injured every year by collisions with the glass at U.S. Bank Stadium. The study, conducted by Dr. Scott Loss from Oklahoma State University, examined data on bird mortality at 21 downtown buildings, including the Stadium, from March 2017 through December 2018.

At least 292 birds collided with the Stadium during the study, including an estimated fatality rate of 111 migrating birds per year, which places the Stadium in the group of buildings that represent the upper extreme of bird collision rates.

NASHVILLE WARBLER, U.S. Bank Stadium, North wall, Oct. 10, 2016

In response to the study, a coalition of bird conservation groups that has been working for over five years to make the stadium safe for birds issued this press release and commentary.

The study’s conclusions “stress the need to prioritize mitigation strategies related to reducing window collisions (e.g., window films and markers).” Although the study did not analyze glass type as a factor contributing to bird mortality, the Final Report identifies three products that could be used to retrofit the stadium glass.

The Final Report was presented by Audubon Minnesota to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority on November 15, 2019.