Why do birds congregate on power lines?

I often see birds sitting together on power lines, especially near the pole where they connect. Why is this? Just a social thing? Thanks for your ideas.

In South Jersey this happens more often during the winter months when it is bitterly cold. I dont know why this happens just dont park you car underneath them.

Because they get a charge out of it.

:smiley:

They have to rest sometime and somewhere. You often see them sitting on tree branches, too, if you look. They get a bird’s-eyeview from a wire, branch, rooftop, etc. from where they can spot food, usually from those sloppy animals called homo sapiens. Insect eaters, such as shrikes, will also sit somewhere awaiting any morsel that happens by.