Raptor trauma and fractures (collisions, electrocution)
The honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) is a migratory raptor which crosses Tunisia during its seasonal movements between Europe and Africa. Like many wild birds, it can be the victim of accidental trauma: collisions with vehicles, windows or p...
What is it?
The honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) is a migratory raptor which crosses Tunisia during its seasonal movements between Europe and Africa.
Like many wild birds, it can be the victim of accidental trauma: collisions with vehicles, windows or power lines, and electrocutions on poles or transformers.
These accidents cause bone fractures, wounds, burns or general shock.
Key point
This is a life-threatening emergency requiring veterinary attention or a wildlife conservation center as quickly as possible.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The bird may have a drooping or abnormally held wing, inability to fly or perch normally, lameness, or a nonfunctional leg.
We often observe a marked depression, the bird remains on the ground, motionless, sometimes with its eyes half-closed, in a state of shock.
Wounds, blood, or areas of burned and blackened skin may be visible, especially on the legs or wings if electrocuted.
Rapid or difficult breathing may accompany internal trauma.
The animal may refuse to move or, on the contrary, exhibit disorganized agitation if it is still capable of reacting to stress.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Collisions most often occur with vehicles, windows, wires or fences, particularly during migratory movements of this species.
The buzzard is a migratory raptor that travels long distances between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, Tunisia being on its migration corridor; these journeys expose her to human infrastructures unusual for her.
Electrocution occurs when the bird lands on an electrical pole or transformer and simultaneously touches two items with different voltages, causing current to pass through its body.
Fractures can also result from gunshots, collisions with wind turbines or accidental falls.
The migration period, during which the bird travels long distances over inhabited areas and human infrastructure, increases the risk.
Flying over agricultural or peri-urban areas with a dense aerial electricity network.
The presence of unsecured power lines or poles providing a dangerous perch.
Young age or inexperience in flying, which makes some individuals more vulnerable to collisions.
Conditions of poor visibility (fog, strong wind, night) which increase the risk of collision.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian (ideally a wildlife care center accustomed to raptors) examines the bird carefully, without stressing it further.
He assesses the state of shock and looks for fractures by gentle palpation of the wings, legs and body.
X-rays are taken to precisely locate bone fractures and judge their severity.
An examination of the wings is done to check the extent of burns in cases of suspected electrocution, which can affect the skin, muscles and sometimes bone.
A general assessment (hydration, weight, associated wounds) completes the evaluation before any treatment decision.
Treatment
Treatment is based on initial stabilization: keeping calm, keeping warm, rehydration.
Analgesics (painkillers) are administered to relieve the animal's suffering.
Immobilization of the fracture by bandage or splint is carried out if the bone is stable, or orthopedic surgical intervention with placement of a pin or external fixator if necessary.
Antibiotic treatment may be prescribed for open wounds or burns to prevent infection.
Electrical burns require specific local care and sometimes the removal of necrotic tissue.
A phase of convalescence and flight re-education is then essential before considering a possible release.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is primarily based on collective actions: securing medium-voltage power lines with suitable insulators, installing visual markers on cables to reduce collisions, and increased vigilance during migration periods.
Anyone who finds an injured bird can help by quickly reporting it to a wildlife rescue center rather than trying to treat it themselves.
Respecting protected areas and migration corridors also limits the species' exposure to dangerous infrastructure.
Possible complications
Without rapid treatment, an open fracture can become infected and compromise the bird's survival.
Deep electrical burns can result in extensive tissue necrosis, sometimes with loss of part of the wing or leg.
Untreated traumatic shock can progress to internal organ failure.
Improper immobilization can lead to bone consolidation in a bad position, making flight impossible and preventing any release into the wild.
The stress of capture and handling can itself worsen shock in a wild bird.
When to see a veterinarian
Discovery of a buzzard on the ground unable to fly or stand normally.
Presence of an abnormally positioned, dangling or visibly deformed wing or leg.
Observation of wounds, bleeding or areas of blackened skin suggestive of a burn.
Immobile, prostrate bird, not reacting normally to approach.
Any contact or known proximity to a power line, pole or road accident.
Prognosis
The prognosis varies greatly depending on the type and location of the fracture, the extent of the burns and the time before treatment.
A simple fracture diagnosed and treated quickly can allow a return to flight.
Joint fractures, extensive burns or severe shock significantly worsen the prognosis, both for survival and for the possibility of later release into the wild.
Some birds with after-effects will never be able to fly normally again and cannot be released.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I find an injured buzzard on the side of a road?
You should avoid handling it with bare hands without protection, cover it gently with a cloth to calm it, place it in a ventilated box and quickly contact a wildlife conservation center or a veterinarian. Never attempt to treat a fracture yourself.
Can a buzzard with a broken wing ever fly again?
It depends on the type of fracture and the speed of treatment. Some well-treated fractures allow a return to flight, but others, particularly near the joints, leave after-effects preventing a release into the wild.
Is electrocution common in migratory raptors like the buzzard?
Raptors readily land on electrical poles to perch or hunt, which exposes them to this risk, especially on unsecured infrastructure along migratory routes.
Can we prevent these accidents?
Yes, by securing dangerous power lines, installing anti-collision devices on cables and reporting identified risk areas along migration corridors to authorities.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 18 August 2026
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