Electricity travels from a place of high voltage to low voltage, just like water travels naturally from high elevation to low elevation. If the bird sits on wire and touches the ground, a path is created that allow electricity to travel through the body and to the place where no voltage. When electricity travels through the body of the bird in this fashion, electrocution takes place, and the bird dies. However, if the bird touches a single wire it does not get a shock because electric current passes through the wire instead of the bird.

DID YOU KNOW THAT......

  • The electric eel generates voltages up to 600 volts in special muscles. In this way, it can defend itself against enemies.
  • voltage starting from 48 volts are considered fatal. Hence electric toys have a maximum voltage of 24 volts.