Birds can sit on power lines and not get electric shocks because the electricity is always looking for a way to get to the ground. ... And if a bird touches two wires at once, it will create a circuit — electricity will flow through the bird and likely electrocute it.

Why do birds get shocked on power lines?

Birds do not feel electric shock while sitting on current carrying insulated wires because ……. A. The feathers of birds act as a insulator and hence the current does not pass through them. ... For the current to flow through the bird, there must be a potential difference across the claws of the bird.

How do birds not get electrocuted when landing on power lines?

The copper in electrical wires is a great conductor. Birds are not good conductors. That's one reason they don't get shocked when they sit on electrical wires. The energy bypasses the birds and keeps flowing along the wire instead.