To objectively evaluate the collateral damage associated with radiosurgical and carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser devices, a comparative surgical and histologic study was undertaken in white Carneau pigeons (Columba livia). Ten pigeons were anesthetized, and a series of 3 skin incisions were made in the pectoral region by using a 4.0-MHz radiosurgical unit, a CO₂ laser, and a scalpel blade (control). A total of 90 skin incisions were microscopically evaluated, and their associated mechanical- and thermal-induced tissue lesions were measured in micrometers. Scalpel incisions invariably resulted in hemorrhage, whereas all laser and radiosurgical skin incisions were essentially bloodless. Scalpel blade incisions were least traumatic (mean [SD] 18 ± 15 µm) followed by incisions created with radiosurgery (mean [SD] 94 ± 60 µm) and CO₂ laser (mean [SD] 150 ± 64 µm). Radiosurgery was significantly less traumatic than CO₂ laser (P  =  .003). Radiosurgery appears to offer significant benefits over CO₂ laser for avian surgery.