Urban Birds Are Rising Earlier Because of Traffic Noise (2013)
3 hours ago
- #urban wildlife
- #bird behavior
- #noise pollution
- Urban birds may start singing earlier due to traffic noise, not just natural dawn cues.
- A study in Seville found spotless starlings and house sparrows sang about 20 minutes earlier when exposed to pre-recorded traffic sounds.
- House sparrows also woke earlier on quiet streets if sudden loud noises or traffic bursts occurred.
- Traffic noise can 'mask' bird communication, affecting activities like breeding and foraging.
- Researchers suggest noise reduction measures, like traffic control or plant barriers, to mitigate impacts on wildlife.