Date: 201911
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: B737-700
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Climb
Airspace: Class B ZZZ
Aircraft component: Cowling/Nacelle Fasteners; Latches
Component problem: Failed
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Not Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: We took off out of ZZZ1 and at approximately 4;000 feet and I saw what appeared to be a bird fly past the FO's (First Officer's) windscreen. It was immediately followed by a loud impact noise. The smell of an animal through an engine entered the aircraft. Additionally a change in air noise happened. Almost like a panel was open. A check of the engines indicated that they were both operating normally; and I also checked the pressurization which was also normal. The FO and I quickly agreed that we should level off; which ATC granted. We told them we had hit a bird and would probably be returning to ZZZ1 or maybe ZZZ. At that time the FA (Flight Attendants) called about the smell and that we had hit something on the number two engine. They indicated that there was a hole or dent in the thing that goes around the engine. I asked if everyone was alright and they said 'yes'. I told them I would get back to them with more information. When I returned; the FO indicated that ATC had requested priority handling for us. We then agreed to stay in the area while we got a plan in order. We believed (based on our aircraft being approximately 8000 lbs over max landing weight; and the possibility that there could be some issues with the leading edge devices); we decided ZZZ was where we wanted to go to. I called ZZZ1 Operations and had them have Dispatch call us on frequency. Once on with us; we told him our plan and he agreed and said he would get things coordinated at ZZZ. With the FO flying; I ran the Diversion Checklist; and also got landing information for ZZZ. ATC planned for us to land on Runway XXR. We briefed the approach and talked about it again to make sure we had done everything; and were not missing anything. I also read the overweight landing information from the AOM out loud. When all checklists and notifications were complete (and on the approach) we transferred controls so that I could land the aircraft. After landing; we cleared the runway; shut down the number 2 engine; and had airport rescue inspect the aircraft for any smoke or liquids coming from the aircraft. They said all was normal. We the completed the performance [calculation for] brake cooling and found that no special restrictions were needed and we could cool at the gate. We taxied to the gate and deplaned all the Passengers into the terminal.


Second narrative: On climbout after takeoff from Runway XXC at ZZZ1; we had a bird strike the Number 2 engine. Realizing there was aircraft damage; we ran all appropriate checklists; and diverted to ZZZ; due to the extra runway length and our overweight condition. Upon landing at ZZZ we were inspected by the Fire Department and ran brake cooling data. Both were normal. We then taxied to the gate and shut down the aircraft.


Synopsis: B737-700 flight crew reported a diversion and landing after a bird strike to the right engine.