1998

The number of birds killed (per km) by collision with power lines in west-central Spain did not differ between one transmission line and two distribution lines. For all three power lines, we tested the ability of different markers to reduce bird collision by comparing marked spans to unmarked spans along the same power line. A spiral (30 cm X 100 cm) reduced collisions (static wire marking). Black crossed bands (35 cm X 5 cm) were also effective, but not for the vulnerable Great Bustard (Otis tarda) (conductor marking). The third marker, consisting of thin black stripes (70 cm X 0.8 cm), did not reduce mortality (conductor marking). The highest mortality from power-line collision was recorded for the Great and Little Bustard (Otis tarda and Otis tetrax).