Electrocution

The risk of electrocution of birds is typically associated with the use of power lines for perching. Contact between two conductive elements, or between a conductor cable and a ground element, allows electric current to flow through the bird's body, causing electrocution. This risk is especially high during the first flights of young individuals, but it is also influenced by the morphological and ecological characteristics of the species. It is estimated that during winter, the risk of mortality from electrocution is higher due to the migration of numerous species, some of which are threatened.

For the Iberian Imperial Eagle, electrocution is considered one of the main causes of unnatural mortality. Between 2003 and 2020 alone, there were 13 incidents with power lines, demonstrating the impact of this threat, especially considering the small population in Portugal.

Vulture species are also vulnerable to electrocution. In the small breeding population in Portugal, Cinereous vulture mortality has been recorded in 7 incidents with power lines. In the case of the Egyptian vulture, interaction with power lines is the main cause of anthropogenic mortality during migration.