It turns out that birds do not act randomly when choosing their targets. A survey showed that certain car colors are significantly more likely to attract their attention.
In first place are brown cars, followed by red and black ones. At the same time, white and silver cars are attacked less frequently. Scientists suggest that lighter shades serve as a kind of protection: they make it harder for birds to aim. Additionally, the shiny surfaces of hoods and mirrors can reflect images of birds, which during the breeding season leads them to mistake their reflection for a rival and start attacking. It is also worth noting that birds can see the ultraviolet spectrum, which is not visible to the human eye, making dark colors more noticeable and attractive to them.
However, this issue is not just about aesthetics. Bird droppings contain uric acid, which can damage the paintwork if not removed in time. As a result, car owners incur additional costs for washing and repairs — on average, Americans spend over $500 a year, with Tesla and BMW owners facing the highest expenses.
It should also be considered that parking under trees, power lines, or road signs increases the risk of being "attacked" by birds, as these are their favorite resting spots. Almost a third of respondents admitted that they changed their usual parking spots, and some even started making detours to avoid contamination.
Experts recommend that the best way to protect your vehicle is to use covered parking or at least a car cover. Parking under trees, balconies, and wires is not recommended, as it significantly increases the risk of becoming a target for birds.
