Mortality from entanglement and hanging in fishing line or baling twine is known for many species of birds. In this note, we add to the list multiple deaths of Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). We found 4 hanging or entanglement events of this species from 3 counties in western Kansas. In Ellis County we found 2 locations under bridges: 3 birds hung together at the nest opening with fishing line and a single bird hung from a nest from an unknown source. In Gove County a single bird was hung with baling twine that was embedded into the base of a mud nest attached to a natural rock formation. At the last location in Hamilton County, an entanglement death of a bird at a bridge was due to an unknown cause, but multiple nests had baling twine incorporated into their formation. Proper disposal of fishing line and baling twine could reduce mortality from these and other sources in the future.

You do not currently have access to this content.