The birds inhabiting European cities continue to exhibit behaviors that baffle science. A recent study conducted in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, and Spain revealed that different urban species tend to escape more quickly when approached by a woman.
The research, published in the scientific journal People and Nature, analyzed 2,701 observations of 37 species. Among them were blackbirds, magpies, pigeons, crows, finches, starlings, and woodpeckers, all accustomed to daily contact with people.
However, the results surprised even the researchers themselves. Men were able to approach, on average, one meter closer before the birds took flight, a pattern repeated in various urban environments in Europe.
How was the experiment conducted in urban parks?
To avoid errors in measurements, the scientific work used a very precise protocol. Four men and four women participated, all experienced ornithologists, dressed similarly and with comparable physical characteristics.
Additionally, each person had to walk towards the birds maintaining a constant speed and without sudden movements. The researchers also alternated the order of approach to avoid alterations in the results obtained.
Even so, the differences persisted. The birds reacted earlier to the female presence, both in species accustomed to cities and in those considered more cautious.
This behavior raised new questions about the ability of urban animals to perceive details that humans often overlook. For now, the explanation remains uncertain.
The mystery behind the birds’ reaction
Scientists are considering different hypotheses to explain the phenomenon. One possibility points to the sense of smell, a sense that for decades was underestimated in birds, but which recent research has begun to reevaluate.
Other factors are also being analyzed, such as body posture, walking style, or imperceptible differences in human movements. However, there is still no conclusive evidence about what the true trigger might be.
The study also presents an interesting paradox. It was long assumed that, historically, men were more associated with hunting. Even so, urban birds do not seem to show a greater distrust towards them.
For this reason, some specialists believe that modern factors might be involved related to coexistence in cities and not necessarily behaviors inherited from the past.
Other strange behaviors of urban birds
Birds living in cities have developed surprising adaptations to survive in human-dominated environments. Some species alter their singing schedule due to noise pollution and begin singing before dawn to avoid traffic noise.
Additionally, certain birds use artificial materials to build their nests, including cigarette butts, plastics, or synthetic fibers. Although this can help them repel parasites, it also increases risks of contamination and physical harm.
On the other hand, recent research has shown that several urban species recognize human faces and remember negative experiences for years. Some birds are even capable of passing that information to other individuals in their group.
Meanwhile, experts warn that urban expansion continues to alter natural ecosystems. The loss of trees, excessive nighttime lighting, and noise pollution profoundly change the feeding, resting, and reproductive habits of numerous species.
In this scenario, scientists believe that studying the behavior of urban birds can provide key information on how animals adapt to environmental changes caused by modern cities.
