Bird and bat strikes are a significant challenge for aviation, impacting wildlife and aircraft safety. While birds account for most incidents, bats also contribute to collisions. This list highlights the 12 animals most frequently struck, incorporating notable bird species and three bat species.
12. Eastern Red Bat
The eastern red bat, the most populous tree bat in North America, migrates along the Atlantic seaboard. Weighing less than half an ounce, it is unlikely to cause significant aircraft damage. With 236 recorded collisions and no reported damage, this species demonstrates how even lightweight animals can create aviation hazards.
11. Microbats (Exact Species Unknown)
Microbats, which encompass over 900 species, are small, echolocating bats that hunt insects. These bats constitute 17% of all mammalian species on Earth. Out of 301 recorded collisions, 0.3% resulted in damage, showcasing their occasional presence in aviation incidents.
10. Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
The Brazilian free-tailed bat, part of the Molossidae family, is known for its exceptional high-altitude flight, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. With 418 recorded collisions and 0.7% causing damage, this bat species represents a unique risk to aircraft, particularly at higher altitudes.
9. Rock Pigeon
Rock pigeons, common in urban areas, were introduced to North America in the 1600s. These adaptable birds are frequently involved in aviation incidents. Out of 517 recorded collisions, damage occurred in 3.9% of cases, often involving trained racing pigeons.
8. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk, North America’s most common hawk, is a year-round resident of the United States, Mexico, and Central America. With 634 collisions and 11.7% resulting in damage, these large raptors are among the most impactful species in bird strikes.
7. European Starling
European starlings, introduced to North America in the 19th century, are small yet resilient birds. With 796 recorded collisions, only 1.3% caused damage. However, a notable incident in 1960 involving a flock of starlings led to 62 fatalities, marking the deadliest bird strike.
6. Eastern Meadowlark
The Eastern meadowlark, known for its melodic song, primarily inhabits warmer regions of the eastern United States. In 1,019 bird strikes, damage was reported in 1.4% of cases, making it a frequent but less destructive species in aviation incidents.
5. American Kestrel
The American kestrel, North America’s smallest falcon, measures just 8.7–12.2 inches. With 1,775 strikes reported, damage occurred in only 0.6% of cases. These small raptors cause less harm due to their diminutive size.
4. Killdeer
Killdeer, recognizable by their brown plumage and ground-foraging behavior, are frequently involved in strikes during takeoff and landing. Of 2,015 collisions, only 0.5% resulted in aircraft damage.
3. Horned Lark
Horned larks, with their distinctive horn-like feather tufts, are experiencing population declines due to habitat destruction. In 2,060 recorded bird strikes, only 0.5% caused damage, yet these incidents contribute to conservation challenges for this species.
2. Barn Swallow
Barn swallows, known for their agile flight and striking plumage, are vulnerable to strikes at various altitudes. With 2,348 collisions recorded, damage occurred in just 0.3% of cases.
1. Mourning Dove
Mourning doves, light beige birds known for flocking during breeding season, top the list of bird strikes. With 2,837 recorded incidents and 1.2% resulting in damage, they accounted for 11% of all bird strikes reported by the FAA from 1990 to 2019.
The inclusion of bats highlights the diverse wildlife risks faced by aviation. This list underscores the importance of understanding species’ habits and characteristics to mitigate collisions and protect both wildlife and aircraft
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