Electrocution of birds

Electrocution of birds is injury or death caused when a bird bridges energized electrical components and a ground, allowing current to pass through its body.

Electric current: The rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor or other medium. A bird is injured when its body becomes part of a path carrying current.
Avian-safe power lines: Electric power lines designed or modified to reduce bird electrocution and collision risks. Insulation, spacing, and perch design can prevent birds from bridging energized parts and ground.
California condor: A critically endangered North American vulture and the largest living bird in North America. Electrocution on power infrastructure has been a documented threat to this recovering species.
Wildlife electrocution: Injury or death of wild animals when electric current passes through their bodies. Bird electrocution is a prominent wildlife consequence of exposed electrical infrastructure.
Electrical grounding: A conductive connection to Earth or another reference point that provides a path for electrical current. Contact with a grounded structure completes the circuit across an energized component.
Avian power line interaction: The ways birds interact with power lines, including electrocution, collision, and nesting. Electrocution is one of several hazards created by birds' use of utility infrastructure.
Golden eagle: A large bird of prey found across the Northern Hemisphere. Golden eagles are vulnerable when their size lets them contact separated parts of utility structures.
Raptor conservation: The protection and recovery of birds of prey and their habitats and populations. Reducing avoidable electrocution can support the conservation of vulnerable raptor populations.
Electrical potential: The electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field. A potential difference between contact points drives current through a bird.
Wildlife-friendly utility poles: Utility poles modified to reduce harm to wildlife while maintaining electrical service. Pole retrofits can separate perches from energized hardware or cover exposed components.

Linked from 8 pages