Research reveals these cars get pooped on more: Is your model on the list?

Murphy’s law dictates that no sooner have we taken our car on an all-too-rare trip to the car wash than a bird comes along and poops on it. But spare a thought for the owners of certain vehicles, which data shows are constant targets for our feathered friends.

A completely necessary survey, I’m sure you’ll agree, was carried out by garage and carport retailer Alan’s Factory Outlet. 1,000 American drivers were asked about the “messy but relatable problem” of bird droppings on cars. The results offered some fascinating - if peculiar - insights into which models and colors of cars are most frequently bombed.

The top bird targets

Rams, Jeeps, and Chevrolets are apparently the top three victims, in that order, with Nissan and Dodge rounding out the top 10.

Intriguingly, darker vehicles - including brown, red, and black ones - were most frequently splattered, while lighter colors such as white and silver/gray were less targeted.

You’d have to imagine birds aren’t waiting until they’re directly above a Ram or a Jeep to unleash, and that model-related results are likely random. However, Alan’s Factory Outlet does offer a plausible-sounding theory when it comes to color.

Why birds may favor certain colors

“Birds perceive color differently from humans and have the ability to detect ultraviolet (UV) light,” the retailer explains. “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.”

That does kind of make sense, right?

Looking at the findings from a different angle, CarBuzz’s analysis includes the theory that bird poop simply doesn’t show up as clearly on light-colored cars.

The high cost of bird attacks

The study also found that 24% of drivers spent more than $500 per year on car washes and repairs caused by bird poop, while 10% even reported paint damage. Incredibly, 6% said they had delayed or even canceled plans because they felt their car was too dirty.

Drivers were also asked about their parking habits, which may play a role since birds prefer to perch - and do their business - under trees, power lines, and street signs. 29% of participants said they have changed where they park to avoid getting messy.

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