Biological and conservation aspects of bird mortality caused by electricity power lines: a review

Empirical data and theoretical considerations indicate that species with high wing loading and low aspect run a high risk of colliding with power lines. These birds are characterised by rapid flight, and the combination of heavy body and small wings restricts swift reactions to unexpected obstacles. When the number of reported collision victims is considered relative to the abundance and population size of the species concerned, some Galliformes, Gruiformes, Pelecaniformes and Ciconiiformes species seem to appear in disproportionately high numbers. In contrast, species frequently affected by electrocution particularly seems to involve Ciconiiformes, Falconiformes, Strigiformes and Passeriformes. An alarmingly large number of species with endangered and vulnerable status are identified among the victims, but there are insufficient data at present for judging the significance of mortality caused by power lines at the population level.

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