Car owners know the frustration all too well: stepping outside to find your vehicle’s roof, windshield, or hood splattered with bird droppings. Beyond looking unsightly, it can damage the paint and rack up costly cleaning or repair bills. This isn’t an isolated problem—Alan’s Factory Outlet, a U.S. supplier of garage and carport equipment, recently revealed in a survey that certain car models and colors are more likely to become “targets” for birds.
According to the survey of 1,000 car owners reported by the New York Post, brown, red, and black vehicles are most often hit by bird droppings, while white, silver, and gray cars are less likely to be targeted. The survey also found that Ram pickup trucks rank as the brand most frequently attacked, followed by Jeep, Chevrolet, Nissan, Dodge, and Kia. Nearly 30% of respondents felt their cars were “singled out,” with the cost of cleaning and repairs proving significant.
Alan’s Factory Outlet explained that birds perceive colors differently from humans—they can see ultraviolet light, making certain car colors appear brighter or more noticeable. Shiny surfaces, such as mirrors or reflective panels, can also make birds mistake the reflection for a rival, prompting them to linger or “perch,” especially during breeding season, increasing the chances of being hit.
The survey also highlighted car owners’ experiences: 58% reported their vehicles were struck more than once in a single day, while 29% felt targeted by birds. Lexus owners were particularly affected, with 47% reporting repeated attacks, and 39% of Tesla owners reported similar experiences.
While the data relies on self-reports, experts note that droppings are less visible on white or silver cars, which may underestimate the frequency of attacks. Nonetheless, the financial impact is real: nearly one-quarter of U.S. car owners spend over $500 annually on cleaning and repairs, and 10% experience paint damage.
To reduce the risk of being targeted, experts recommend avoiding parking under trees, power lines, or eaves. Using a car cover or parking in a garage can help protect your vehicle from becoming a “bird magnet.”
