The wind energy industry is poised for rapid expansion into many areas of southern Africa. While experiences in other parts of the world suggest that this industry may be detrimental to birds (through the destruction of habitat, the displacement of populations from preferred habitat, and collision mortality with wind turbines, guyed masts and power lines), these effects are highly site- and taxonspecific in operation. Raptors, large terrestrial species and wetland birds are thought to be most susceptible, and areas of higher topographic relief are often implicated in negative impact scenarios.