- Scientists identified eight fundamental sound types, called motifs, that form the basis of all birdsong.
- Analysis of over 100,000 songs from 3,000 species revealed these motifs are combined in various ways.
- The environment where birds evolved influences which motifs they use, with tropical birds favoring simpler sounds and temperate birds using more complex trills.
- Human activity is altering natural soundscapes, potentially affecting birds' ability to adapt their songs.
- The study suggests that conserving natural sound environments is important for preserving birdsong diversity.