Asked by: C Dawson, by email
It's rare to see a dead bird on the ground, but it is also rare to see a dead mouse or rat - which are generally much more numerous. We don't question this because we don't see rodents much when they are alive - they are secretive and nocturnal.
It's only because living birds are so conspicuous that it seems strange not to see them when dead. Birds don't usually drop dead in mid-flight - they die in their nest or are caught and eaten, much like other small animals.
Read more:
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
