We studied flight altitude and habitat use by birds in agricultural lands on 11 Naval bases in Arizona, California, and Nevada from 1989-91 to collect data necessary to develop management plans for reduction of bird-aircraft collisions. The mean altitude of flight at all bases was under 370 m. Blackbirds were the most numerous bird observed, these and other small-sized birds accounted for about 66% of all bird-aircraft strikes. Medium-sized (primarily gulls) and large-sized birds accounted for about 34% of all bird-aircraft strikes. Most strikes occurred during take-offs and landings, and while approaching a landing field. Bird abundance was correlated primarily with buildings, weeds, alfalfa fields, fallow fields, and drainage ditches. Reduction of bird resting and nesting areas, removal of weeds and windbreaks, and modification of buildings could lower bird aircraft strikes.
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