How it works
Current becomes dangerous when an animal bridges points with a substantial voltage difference, such as two wires or a live wire and grounded equipment.
What people often miss
Power lines remain hazardous, and large birds can be electrocuted when wings or bodies contact multiple points. People should never treat the example as evidence that wires are safe.
Why this question comes up
The bird's small spacing matters more than any special resistance to electricity.
Key points
- A bird can sit on one power line safely because both feet are at nearly the same electrical potential, so little current passes through its body.
- Current becomes dangerous when an animal bridges points with a substantial voltage difference, such as two wires or a live wire and grounded equipment.
- Power lines remain hazardous, and large birds can be electrocuted when wings or bodies contact multiple points. People should never treat the example as evidence that wires are safe.
Bottom line
A bird can sit on one power line safely because both feet are at nearly the same electrical potential, so little current passes through its body.
Source and verification
This Answer was checked against U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Follow the source for the full official explanation and any later updates.