Painted wind turbines can dramatically reduce bird deaths, study finds

A long-term experiment at El Ruedo wind farm in Spain (2012-2024) found that painting one rotor blade black on four turbines cut annual bird fatality rates by 74% compared to all-white control turbines; studies in Norway and South Africa showed similar results (70% and 83% reductions), though a Netherlands study found no effect.

Testing has been done at small scales. Painting blades during manufacturing rather than after installation would be easier and cheaper, but manufacturers have hesitated citing concerns about heat absorption and weight changes.