Alan’s Factory Outlet surveyed 1,000 American drivers to explore a messy but relatable problem: bird droppings on cars. By combining survey responses with research on bird behavior and parking habits, this report uncovered which vehicles are hit the hardest, which colors attract the most mess, and how much money drivers spend cleaning up. The findings reveal not only surprising insights but also the importance of having protection like carports and garages.
Key Takeaways
- Ram, Jeep, and Chevrolet are the top three vehicles most frequently targeted by bird droppings.
- Brown, red, and black cars attract the most bird poop, according to drivers.
- Over 1 in 2 Americans (58%) say their car has been pooped on more than once in the same day.
- 29% of Americans feel like birds have “targeted” their vehicle.
- Nearly 1 in 4 Americans (24%) spend over $500 each year on car washes and repairs due to bird droppings.
- 1 in 5 Americans (21%) would invest in a car cover or garage to avoid bird mess, and they’d pay an average of $50/month for better protection.
Car Brands and Colors Birds Target Most
Car owners often debate whether certain makes or colors are more vulnerable to bird mess, and the data from our survey suggests they may be right.
Ram, Jeep, and Chevrolet topped the list of vehicles most likely to be splattered. Other frequently targeted brands included Nissan, Dodge, and Kia, while Tesla, Audi, and Subaru also made the top ten. This spread shows that both domestic and imported brands are at risk. Color also played a noticeable role. Brown, red, and black cars drew the most unwanted attention from above, while lighter colors like white and silver/gray ranked lower.
For many drivers, bird droppings are a regular headache. Over half of Americans (58%) said their car had been pooped on more than once in the same day, and nearly a third (29%) felt like birds had personally “targeted” them. Lexus (47%), Tesla (39%), and Dodge (35%) drivers felt the most targeted by birds.
More than 1 in 10 drivers (11%) even reported paint damage caused by droppings. These experiences often lead to frequent car washes. Over half of drivers (57%) have paid for a car wash specifically to clean off bird droppings, and 39% said they have to wash their cars multiple times a month because of it.
The costs add up quickly. Nearly 1 in 4 drivers (24%) spent more than $500 annually on car washes and repairs related to bird mess. Tesla and BMW owners were among the most impacted, with two-thirds of each brand spending over $500 per year.
Parking Habits and Prevention Attempts
Parking choices made a big difference in how often cars were hit.
Nearly one-third of Americans (29%) had changed their usual parking spot to steer clear of bird droppings, while 55% admitted their current setup provided little to no protection. Many went out of their way for a cleaner car: 38% said they would walk up to a block just to avoid parking under “poop zones.” Drivers of Toyota (17%), Honda (15%), and Chevrolet (7%) vehicles were the most likely to make these adjustments.
Bird droppings even disrupted daily life for some. More than 1 in 20 Americans (6%) had canceled or delayed plans because their car was too dirty, and over 1 in 10 (14%) had gotten droppings on themselves while getting in or out of their vehicle.
To prevent the mess, about 1 in 5 Americans (21%) said they would invest in a car cover or garage addition, with many willing to spend around $50 per month for added protection. Covered options such as carports also offered a practical solution for drivers looking to avoid these costly and frustrating cleanups.
Why Birds Poop Where They Do
If you’ve ever felt like your car is a magnet for bird droppings, you’re not wrong. Science suggests there may be more behind the mess than bad luck.
Where Birds Like to Roost
Cars parked beneath trees, power lines, or street signs are directly under some of the most common bird perches. These spots provide safety and visibility for birds, but unfortunately, they also put any vehicles below in the line of fire.
Bird Vision and Car Colors
Birds perceive color differently from humans and have the ability to detect ultraviolet (UV) light. This heightened vision makes certain car colors stand out more in their environment. Studies show these shades are especially eye-catching, which may explain why they often seem like prime targets.
Reflections and Territorial Instincts
Shiny surfaces such as hoods and side mirrors can act like mirrors, reflecting a bird’s own image back at them. During mating season, many species become territorial and may mistake their reflection for a rival. In some cases, this can lead to repeated “attacks” against the reflection, leaving behind droppings in the process.
Prevention Tips
While you can’t change bird behavior, you can lower your risk by:
- Parking in covered areas when possible.
- Using a car cover if you expect long-term outdoor parking.
- Avoiding leaving your car under trees, wires, or ledges where birds frequently roost.
Protecting Cars From Above
Bird droppings on your vehicle are a nuisance, but they can be a costly problem for American drivers, too. Ram, Jeep, and Chevrolet owners seemed to have it the worst, while darker-colored cars attracted more mess than lighter ones. With nearly a quarter of drivers spending hundreds of dollars each year to combat the issue, the case for investing in protective solutions like garages or carports is stronger than ever. A little prevention can go a long way toward keeping cars cleaner and drivers happier.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,000 American car owners to uncover which cars are most likely to get pooped on by birds. The average age of respondents was 40. The generational breakdown of respondents was as follows: Gen Z (16%), millennials (53%), Gen X (26%), and baby boomers (6%). Due to rounding, some percentages in this study may not total 100% exactly.
About Alan’s Factory Outlet
Alan’s Factory Outlet provides durable and affordable metal buildings, garages, and carports that help protect vehicles from the elements, including messy surprises from above. With customizable options to fit any property, Alan’s Factory Outlet helps drivers keep their cars cleaner, safer, and looking their best.
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