Bird electrocutions on power lines result from three interacting elements: biology, environment, and engineering. The biological and environmental components that influence electrocution risk include body size, habitat, prey, behavior, age, season, and weather.
Avian electrocutions typically occur on power lines with voltages less than 60 kilovolts (kV). Electrocution can occur when a bird simultaneously contacts electrical equipment either phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground.
Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2006
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SINGLE PHASE: Corner Pole | Ground Pin
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THREE PHASE: Two Conductors on one Side
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THREE PHASE: Center Conductor on Pole
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THREE PHASE: Double Dead End
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THREE PHASE: Compact Design
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THREE PHASE: Steel/Concrete Pole
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CORNER POLE: Three Phase Distribution Corner
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EQUIPMENT POLE: Single Phase Transformer
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EQUIPMENT POLE: Three Phase Transformer Bank
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RISER POLE: Cable Terminal Pole
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TRANSMISSION: 69kV Wood Pole
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TRANSMISSION: 69kV Steel Pole
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TRANSMISSION: 115kV Double Circuit Steel Tower
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Understanding the nature of bird collisions is essential for minimizing them. Bird collisions with power lines result from a complex mixture of biological, environmental, and engineering factors. Biological characteristics include body size, weight, maneuverability, flight behavior, vision, age, sex, health, time of day, season, habitat, and habitat use. Environmental conditions include land uses, weather, visibility, lighting, and sudden disturbances.
Engineering aspects affecting collision risk include size of lines, line placement, line orientation, line configuration, structure type, and sometimes obstruction lighting under Federal Aviation Administration rules.
Reducing Avian Collisions with Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2012
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Line height extends above tree line
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Line bisects feeding and nesting areas
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Line bisects flight path with change in elevation
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Line crosses river bisecting the flight path
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Line bisects high-use marsh lands
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Avian collision causes phase-to-phase contact
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To Become a member please contact Sydney Clark for more information: