How birds use utility poles and overhead wires: a nationwide survey of seven cities

Abstract

We studied bird use of utility poles and overhead wires as perching locations in seven cities of Japan. Perch use included variations related to bird size and to seasonal patterns, including the following: (1) The ratio of perching on poles and wires to total perching sites varied among bird species. (2) Birds perched more frequently on poles and wires during the breeding season than during the wintering season. (3) The larger bird species tended to perch on poles rather than wires, and when perching on wires, they perched closer to the utility poles. (4) Many bird species perched more often on the uppermost wires than on the lower wires.