If birds sitting on a wire are not getting electrocuted, this means they are not getting shocked by electricity. ... Electricity works via electrons flowing through conductors. If a bird is able to sit on an electrical wire, it means that the bird is not a good conductor of electricity. read more
Small birds perching on electric wires are fairly safe. A bird will get shocked only if it touches a ground wire while in contact with the high-volt wire. Most birds are too small to connect with the two wires at the same time, although electrocution is a real danger for raptors and other birds of large wingspan. read more
So it may have puzzled you the first time you saw birds and other small animals, such as squirrels, running along and even sitting for long periods of time on electrical wires high up in the air. At times, electrical wires can be filled with dozens and even hundreds of birds. read more
High-tension wires make great lookout perches for passerine birds or the common perching birds, like sparrows, starlings, crows, grackles, to name a few. The feet of perching birds or songbirds are adapted to grabbing onto branches and power lines. read more