Default Safety Rules
This feature should be framed as optional enrichment, not a replacement for real social time, foraging, movement, or outdoor-safe light and air.
Best Defaults
Audio Off By Default
Humans can choose to add sound, but quiet should be the safe starting position.
Slow Motion, Slow Cuts
Use long shots, gentle camera movement, and avoid frantic edits or flashing transitions.
Time Limits
Short, intentional sessions are safer than endless autoplay.
Watch The Bird, Not Just The Screen
If the bird looks stressed, fixated, territorial, or agitated, stop the session.
Better Playlist Types
Forest Canopy Loops
Slow, steady outdoor scenes without rapid camera movement or dramatic sound design.
Quiet Weather
Rain, leaves, and soft atmosphere work better than cinematic intensity.
Gentle Flock Footage
Use calm bird footage, not aggressive or frantic social scenes.
Bird-Safe Screensaver Mode
Very slow movement and low-contrast visual drift can be more responsible than overstimulating video.
What To Avoid
Flashing / Strobing
The research specifically flagged flicker sensitivity as a real design issue for birds.
Loud Surprise Audio
A sudden human-centric soundtrack is not the same thing as enrichment.
Aggressive Bird Clips
Fights, chase scenes, or territorial display loops are risky choices for a bird-facing mode.
Replacing Real Care
Theater mode should never become a justification for ignoring sleep, enrichment, flock time, or room quality.
Research Anchors
Flicker Study
The report highlighted evidence that birds can perceive display flicker differently than humans.
Open sourceBird Vision Review
Color and sensory differences matter for how birds may experience screens and playback.
Open sourceFlash Safety Reference
Human accessibility guidance is not a bird standard, but it still supports conservative motion design.
Open source