The relative abundance of bird species near power lines was compared with records of electrocution and collision casualties from these power lines to identify species-specific death risk as determined by wing morphology. Generally, collision victims were "poor" fliers, while electrocution victims were birds of prey, ravens and thermal soarers. Bird species were categorised by wing morphology and risk of either collision or electrocution. Three categories were identified: species with a high risk of collision, species with a high risk of electrocution and a third mixed group, susceptible to both these causes of death.