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City birds

Noise

In cities, it is rarely completely quiet. There is almost always background noise from traffic or machinery during the day.

Sound is important for birds. They use song to mark their territory and to find mates.

Singing earlier

In cities, some birds start singing earlier in the day than the same birds elsewhere.

This is because it is quieter early in the morning. They start earlier so their song won’t be drowned out.

Higher and louder

In noisy environments it also helps to sing at a higher or louder pitch. Low tones are harder to hear with background noise. Some birds, such as great tits, sing at a higher pitch in order to be heard clearly.

Evening

Street lighting makes the night less dark. As a result, some birds stay active longer into the evening. Sometimes you can still hear birdsong in artificially lit streets and squares when darker areas are already quiet. Birds’ daily rhythms shift with the light.

Food

The city is full of opportunities. Different plants grow in parks and gardens than in natural areas. Food is left behind by people and can often be found around squares and terraces.

Why do you often see birds on the grass right after a rain shower?

In the city

Not all birds can cope with busy, noisy city life. Species that are flexible are a more common sight in busy streets and parks. Other species prefer quieter places, or avoid the city altogether.

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