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Birds perched in rows on power lines are a familiar sight, as are flocks of startled birds that swoop and quickly change direction in the air before settling on a place to roost. This common congregating behavior may seem enigmatic, but power line perching actually serves a practical purpose. Many bird species, especially starlings, are partial to power lines because the lines, like trees, provide safe, high perches. Perching on power lines allows smaller birds to survey the surrounding area for predators. Conversely, predatory birds may use the vantage point to scout for prey. Birds such as vesper sparrows use power lines and other high structures as places to sing and be heard by other birds, especially during breeding seasons. Power lines are handy perches in deforested or open areas. Weather folklore maintains that birds lined up on power lines indicate rain. The fact that many birds line up together on power lines is evidence of the flocking behavior of many bird species. Many birds congregate in huge flocks and engage in noisy, social behavior. It may seem that birds perched on power lines will inadvertently electrocute themselves, and this does sometimes happen. But when a bird on a power line does not come into contact with another wire, or anything else that will complete the circuit of electricity, it can safely rest on the charged line without injury. For this reason smaller birds are usually safe. Patuxent Wildlife Research CenterHigh Visibility
A Place for Singing
Weather Lore
Flocking Tendencies of Birds
Potential Danger from Power Lines
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by Legend of my mind on February 8th, 2010
Well, it would be hard for them to stand in a circle.
by LarryH54 on February 9th, 2010
Possibly because there are no cats on power lines.
by Ambrose the Colossal Praying Mantis on February 10th, 2010
It's easier than forming a pyramid.
by Aries RSA on February 10th, 2010
They are recharging for the next assault on your vehicle standing under the tree.
by Bob on August 25th, 2010
Birds line up on power lines due to several behaviors, like perching and flock behavior. The most important reason, however, is spotting predators.
.Common power line birds
Many bird species congregate on power lines, including sparrows, starlings, grackles and crows. They mainly belong to the order Passeriformes or "perching birds."
Perching location
Birds often perch on the highest place available. They may prefer power lines because the high, open location allows the birds a good view of approaching predators.
Communal roosting
Many bird species roost together (communal roosting). An advantage of communal roosting is that birds can rely on each other to help watch for predators; they may also be able to help each other find food.
Problems for humans
Birds on power lines can cause problems with power transmission. Their droppings can build up on the lines, blocking the flow of electricity.
Problems for birds
Small birds on power lines usually only touch a single line at a time, so there is no route for electricity to flow through their bodies. However, birds can be electrocuted when they touch two power lines, or a power line and a grounded structure.
by Twisted Taco on February 8th, 2010
So they can pelt the people walking under them at once
by Shemarq the Wamama on February 17th, 2011
According to the book, it is step one.
by damnitdave on February 5th, 2011
To watch the poop show
by rbullock on December 31st, 2010
They line up on power lines because... wait for it Power lines run in lines. They dont line up on flat surfaces only on power lines or fence rails. Where else could they land if not side by side.
by FalsePretense on August 8th, 2011
So that can have good conversations.
by tiffany.weirich on March 2nd, 2011
Peer pressure! One cool bird started it, now they must all follow to be accepted!
by melyvn on February 19th, 2011
to get their email
by fusodjf on February 17th, 2011
It's hard for birds to stand on eachother
by melhusseini on February 10th, 2011
Simply cause Birds of one feather flock together.
by Rip Van Winkle on February 8th, 2010
It is the best place to get into the right "pecking" order!
by steveeb on December 5th, 2010
To keep there feet warm of course :)
by kaynisciamoore1 on March 11th, 2011
to poop on your car lol
by MariahAndiMurder on March 2nd, 2011
beacuse they'er hangin with their besties...
by Michael_P6421 on February 17th, 2011
to show there a hot bird
by Gloria_R on December 19th, 2010
to rest, get their bearing, whatever!
by Brian_M1310 on September 28th, 2010
DON'T KNOW
by bagicide stayed 10 months too long on February 9th, 2010
Because if they don't line up, its a long way down.
by kayleeolmstead on February 10th, 2010
becasue they want to and they like the feeling of electronic devices
by Usman.M._S on September 21st, 2010
THIS IS THE ANSWERRR BECAUSE THEY DOOO YAAAA ARGGHHH IM BORED
by Baiguk on March 11th, 2011
When making use of a temporary place to perch, they find it so much less effort to exploit whatever is available - especially when lacking the power to make alterations. They find heavy electrical cabling far less malleable and a material nowhere near as suitable as those employed in the constructions serving their less transient needs.
by misfitz on August 13th, 2010
Not because they're all into capital punishment ! but they all want to go home. If you have ever noticed House Martins / swallows lining up, they do it at this time of year. They all fly around their area to get a piont of navigation. this helps with their navigation for the next year and also for the young to learn their breeding ground for the coming years ahead, as they come back to the same place they were born, to raise their young.
by PATRICK2 on July 4th, 2011
Becouse that is the only way they have of warning people that they are about to go on a murderous vicious, bloody, Banzai
attack !
by Eric_S4215 14 hours ago
Because power so high like trees, birds sit there because the power lines are everywhere and they need somewhere to hide from predators
by ian.a.mcdonald1 on October 13th, 2011
They perch there to save on their electricity bills..............
by Aries RSA on February 10th, 2010
They are recharging for the next assault on your vehicle standing under the tree.
by mesas on March 11th, 2011
I think they are migrating or something and are just tired.I might be wrong though, it was my first assumption.
by FernandoForrest on October 27th, 2010
they want be group of brids frie
by wakim.japs on January 17th, 2011
Birds perched in rows on power lines are a familiar sight, as are flocks of startled birds that swoop and quickly change direction in the air before settling on a place to roost. This common congregating behavior may seem enigmatic, but power line perching actually serves a practical purpose.
by Cindy_V8462 on January 14th, 2011
to get warm and attracted by the sound of electrcity...or to look down for their food
by reiddunning on January 10th, 2011
to stay warm hang out and be together. why do u think?
by Gloria_R on December 19th, 2010
to rest, get their bearing, whatever!
by missteejohnson on December 11th, 2010
because power lines are straight. it's like being on a branch, in the city. birds can get a clear view of the sights hopefully they see food for their young and themselves. believe it or not birds do share.
by amalunga on February 8th, 2011
i think they just feel safe and comfort .also they have a great view on the lines
by billie43 on November 22nd, 2010
Birds fly together, flock together, fLuck together, and they land together as well..lol it's just that simple.
by rm3000 on November 25th, 2010
Smaller birds always run in packs so when 1 lines up, so do the rest..duh... they help each other out by diving and flying at their enemies(other birds). Black birds are smart and agile, they notorious for this. They instinctively know there are power in numbers. Something the human race needs to learn! Maybe then we could get rid of these greedy whoremonger politicians.
by Prasanna Kumar_K on February 17th, 2011
They try to show their power to fellow mate in the clutching process and try to become a leader.
by Ab123 on December 1st, 2010
Birds line up on the power lines to spot the predators....They may prefer power lines because the high, open location allows the birds a good view of approaching predators............
by bella189 on February 8th, 2010
i think it is cuz they are sssooooo dumb that they can't tell they do it
OR they look for food up there??
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Comments
Nope, they sit there and plot to expell crap upon us.
by Forrest_A4627 on January 14th, 2011
Is it possible that they line up cause they can only ...caw...one at a time
by rwashburn on February 18th, 2011