Large birds soar freely in the sky, evoking a sense of grandeur for humanity. However, why do these large bird species frequently become victims of electrocution while smaller birds do not? Is there a way to prevent this from happening?
Causes of Electrocution Accidents in Large Birds
In recent years, electrocution accidents in large bird species have become increasingly common, complicating efforts to protect wild birds. Is there a relationship between the size of these birds and their susceptibility to electrocution?
Recently, electrocution accidents in large bird species have become frequent. (Illustrative image).
Birds are a highly evolved group of animals, exhibiting a vast range of shapes and sizes, from hummingbirds to eagles. For large bird species, one of the reasons they are more prone to electrocution is directly related to their size.
Large birds have body structures that make them more susceptible to contact with power lines. Due to their larger size, they often rely on their broader wings to support their weight while flying, which increases their surface area in contact with power lines. Additionally, while in flight, these birds tend to sway more, making contact with electrical wires more likely, thus increasing the risk of electrocution.
There is a certain relationship between the electric potential of the body and the size of large bird species. In fact, there is a weak voltage difference across the surface of all organisms, including birds. Under normal circumstances, this voltage difference is a balanced state between the internal electrical conductor and the external electrical conductor.
Electrocution accidents are also related to their habitat choices.
However, when large birds approach high-voltage power lines, the voltage difference in their bodies can change due to contact with the wires, causing electricity to pass through the bird’s body and resulting in electrocution. Compared to smaller birds, the voltage difference in the bodies of large birds is more likely to come into contact with high-voltage wires, leading to a relatively high incidence of electrocution.
The causes of electrocution accidents in large birds are also related to their habitat choices. Some large bird species tend to nest in urban or industrial areas, which provides them better access to high-voltage power lines. In these areas, power lines are denser, increasing the likelihood of electrocution accidents. In contrast, smaller birds living in natural environments encounter this threat less frequently as they have less exposure to high-voltage power lines.
The large size and extensive range of movement of large bird species increase their chances of coming into contact with electrical wires, while the voltage difference across their bodies makes them more prone to high-voltage wire contact, resulting in electricity passing through their bodies and causing electrocution.
Typical Electrocution Accidents of Birds
Electrocution accidents involving large birds not only pose a significant threat to the birds themselves but also negatively impact the normal functioning of electrical systems.
One typical case of bird electrocution occurs when they perch or rest on high-voltage power lines. Birds search for nests or resting places while flying, and power lines and transmission towers often become their choices. Birds perched on power lines may accidentally make contact, leading to injury or death from electrocution.
Such electrocution accidents can cause abnormal electrical currents, potentially leading to fires.
The consequences of such an electrocution accident can be devastating. The affected large bird will experience intense pain and may ultimately die.
Electric shocks to birds can also disrupt the electrical system. When birds perch on high-voltage power lines, electricity can flow through their bodies to the ground, interrupting the normal operation of the electrical system. This electrocution accident can cause abnormal electrical currents, disrupt power supply, and even lead to fires. This not only affects the normal electricity usage of the public but also poses challenges for power companies, requiring significant investments in manpower and resources to repair the electrical systems.
