Why don't birds get electrically shocked when they sit on power lines?

Question

Why don't birds get electrically shocked when they sit on power lines?

Answer 1

Because they wear rubber booties. lol.

Seriously, it has to do with grounding.  As long as they are not in contact with the ground, the electricity is able to flow around them.  Here is an interesting video to watch:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s8x2efUY...

It shows people working on those high voltage power lines.  Essentially they make themselves like birds.  As long as there are no ropes that get near the surface of the ground or are careful around the support structures, they are safe.

Answer 2

No potential.

For current to flow there needs to be a difference in potential. As the bird is not touching the ground or anything else there is nowhere for the power to run too. Hence no electricity flows through the bird.

Answer 3

They aren't grounded, without completing the circuit there is no shock.

Answer 4

i wonder that every day my mom says its just the way that their claws are designed i gues ?!?!?!!!>>>

Answer 5

the birds are not grounded meaning they are not torching any thing grounded