Have you ever looked up at a power line and wondered why the birds perched there aren’t bursting into flames? It seems counterintuitive, right? After all, those lines carry enough electricity to power entire neighborhoods. Yet, these feathered friends seem perfectly content to rest on them without a care in the world.
Power lines are a common resting spot for birds. Here’s why they choose such a seemingly dangerous spot and manage to avoid electrocution.
The Appeal of Power Lines for Birds
First, their elevated position provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings, allowing birds to easily spot potential prey or predators. This vantage point gives them a significant advantage in terms of hunting and survival.
Second, power lines often run through open areas, clear of the dense foliage found in trees and shrubs. This unobstructed view further enhances their ability to detect movement and assess their surroundings.
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Power lines can act as convenient resting points during long flights, especially for migratory birds. They offer a stable and elevated platform where birds can rest their wings and conserve energy before continuing their journey. For some species, power lines also serve as social gathering spots, where they can communicate and interact with other birds.
The wires themselves can act as “highways” for birds to navigate across vast distances, guiding them towards suitable habitats and food sources.
The Science behind Avian Safety
The reason why birds don’t usually get electrocuted on power lines has to do with the way electricity flows. Electricity always seeks the path of least resistance to the ground. When a bird perches on a single power line, it doesn’t create a path for electricity to flow through its body to the ground.
The bird’s body is less conductive than the metal of the power line. As a result, the electricity continues to flow along the wire, bypassing the bird. It’s like a ball rolling along a ridge: it will continue on its path unless it encounters a steeper slope.
When Things Go Wrong: The Risks of Electrocution
While birds are generally safe on a single power line, there are situations where they can get electrocuted. When a bird touches two wires, it creates a path for electricity to flow through its body, completing the circuit and resulting in electrocution.
One study indicates that electrocution kills an estimated 0.9 to 11.6 million birds in the US each year. Larger birds, such as raptors, are especially vulnerable due to their wingspan, which increases their chances of making contact with two wires or a wire and a grounded object.(ref)
In another study, researchers have examined 417 electrocuted raptors and found that nearly 80% of them were bald or golden eagles, showing the disproportionate impact on these majestic species.(ref)
Strategic Point
Birds perch on power lines because they offer a strategic vantage point. They usually avoid electrocution because their bodies don’t provide a path for electricity to flow to the ground. However, there are risks involved, especially for larger birds that can inadvertently create a circuit by touching multiple wires or a grounded object.
The ability of birds to perch on high-voltage power lines without getting electrocuted is a fascinating example of nature’s adaptation to human-made structures. While it’s a common sight, this isn’t always a risk-free behavior, especially for larger birds.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.