Bird-Friendly Lighting Tips for Your Home

Each spring and fall, the night skies above North America fill with billions of migrating birds. Hundreds of millions of them pass over the Southwestern United States.

Many of these birds use stars and other natural cues to navigate their route, but artificial light at night—particularly in larger, brightly lit cities such as Phoenix and Albuquerque—can draw them fatally off course. 

Fortunately, a few simple home lighting choices can help keep migratory birds safer. Find our bird-friendly lighting tips below. 

Tip 1: Choose Shielded Outdoor Fixtures

One of the most effective ways to reduce light pollution is to use shielded light fixtures.

Unlike unshielded fixtures, which scatter light in every direction, shielded fixtures direct light downward, where it's actually needed. This reduces glare, minimizes sky glow, and limits the amount of artificial light that reaches the night sky.

The International Dark-Sky Association offers a database of dark sky-friendly fixtures that reduce light pollution.

Tip 2: Switch to Warmer, Lower-Lumen Bulbs

Changing your light bulbs can also make a meaningful difference, especially when replacing unshielded fixtures isn't an option.

When selecting outdoor lighting, look beyond watts and pay attention to lumens, which measure how much light a bulb produces. Lower-lumen bulbs often provide sufficient illumination for homes while reducing excess nighttime brightness.

Color matters, too. Many LED bulbs emit cool, blue-rich light that travels farther and can have greater impacts on birds, other wildlife, and even humans. Instead, choose warm-colored bulbs with a color temperature of 2200 Kelvin or below. These softer lights create less sky glow.

Tip 3: Turn Off Unnecessary Lights

Sometimes the best solution is the simplest one.

Take a walk around your property after dark and ask yourself: Does this light really need to be on?

Many outdoor lights can be placed on timers, dimmers, or motion sensors, so they operate only when needed. And if a light serves no essential purpose, turning it off entirely can make an immediate difference.

Bird-Friendly Outdoor Lighting Checklist

• Use shielded light fixtures
• Choose warm-colored bulbs around 2200 Kelvin
• Use the lowest practical Lumens (brightness)
• Install timers or motion sensors on lights
• Turn lights off when they're not needed

Every Light Matters

For thousands of years, migratory birds have navigated by the stars across Arizona and New Mexico's deserts, mountains, and river valleys. By making a few simple changes at home, we can help keep those skies welcoming for the beloved birds of the American Southwest.

Learn more about creating bird-friendly communities in the Southwest here.