Social factors, not anthropogenic noise or artificial light, influence onset of dawn singing in a common songbird

The Auk ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carley J Stuart ◽  
Erin E Grabarczyk ◽  
Maarten J Vonhof ◽  
Sharon A Gill
Keyword(s):  
Social Factors ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
House Wrens ◽  
Daily Behavior ◽  
Dawn Song ◽  
Male House

Abstract With worldwide increases in artificial light and anthropogenic noise, understanding how these pollutants influence animals allows us to better mitigate potential negative effects. Both light and noise affect the timing of daily activities, including the onset of dawn song in birds, yet the influence of these pollutants compared with social factors that also influence song onset remains unknown. We investigated the onset of dawn song, testing hypotheses aimed at understanding the influences of light and noise pollution as well as male competition, pairing status, and breeding stage on timing of dawn singing by male House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon). Overall, models with social factors fit song onset data better than models with abiotic factors of noise and sky glow, and the highest ranking model included nesting stage, number of male neighbors, and temperature. Males began singing earlier when they were building nests and when mates were fertile than during later nesting stages. Males also sang earlier as the number of male neighbors increased. The timing of dawn song by male House Wrens appeared unaffected by day-to-day variation in light and noise pollution, with social factors having larger effects on the onset of daily behavior in this species.

scholarly journals Artificial light at nigh drives early dawn chorus onset times of the Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) in an Andean city

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Humberto Marín Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Urban Birds ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Dawn Chorus ◽  
Artificial Lighting ◽  
The North ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Social Dynamic

AbstractUrban birds around the world have to cope with dominant city stressors as anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night by adjusting the temporal and spectral traits of their acoustic signals. It is widely known that higher anthropogenic noise and artificial light levels can disrupt the morning singing routines, but its influence in tropical urban birds remains poorly explored. Here, I assessed the association between light and noise pollution with the dawn chorus onset of the Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) in an Andean city of Colombia. I studied 32 urban sites distributed in the north of the city, which comprise different conditions of urban development based on the built cover. I annotated the time when the first individual of the Saffron Finch was heard at each site and then I obtained anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night measurements using a smartphone. Findings of this study show that Saffron Finches living in highly developed sites sang earlier at dawn than those occupying less urbanized sites. Unexpectedly this timing difference was related to artificial lighting instead of anthropogenic noise, suggesting that artificial light could drive earlier dawn chorus in a tropical urban bird. Saffron Finches could take advantage of earlier singing for signaling territorial ownership among neighbors, as expected by the social dynamic hypothesis. However, findings of this study should be interpreted carefully because the dawn chorus is a complex phenomenon influenced by many multiple factors. Future studies need to assess the influence of ALAN on the dawn chorus timing of Neotropical urban birds by taking into account the influence of confounding factors related to urbanization as well as meteorological, ecological, and social drivers.

scholarly journals Traffic noise inhibits cognitive performance in a songbird

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1944) ◽  
pp. 20202851
Author(s):  
Alison Osbrink ◽  
Megan A. Meatte ◽  
Alan Tran ◽  
Katri K. Herranen ◽  
Lilliann Meek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cognitive Interference ◽  
Noise Impacts

Noise pollution is commonly associated with human environments and mounting evidence indicates that noise has a variety of negative effects on wildlife. Noise has also been linked to cognitive impairment in humans and because many animals use cognitively intensive processes to overcome environmental challenges, noise pollution has the potential to interfere with cognitive function in animals living in urban areas or near roads. We experimentally examined how road traffic noise impacts avian cognitive performance by testing adult zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata ) on a battery of foraging tasks in the presence or absence of traffic noise playback. Here, we show that traffic noise reduces cognitive performance, including inhibitory control, motor learning, spatial memory and social learning, but not associative colour learning. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism through which anthropogenic noise can impact animals, namely through cognitive interference, and suggests that noise pollution may have previously unconsidered consequences for animals.

scholarly journals Aquatic noise pollution: implications for individuals, populations, and ecosystems

2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1836) ◽  
pp. 20160839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hansjoerg P. Kunc ◽  
Kirsty Elizabeth McLaughlin ◽  
Rouven Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
World Health ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Health Organization

Anthropogenically driven environmental changes affect our planet at an unprecedented scale and are considered to be a key threat to biodiversity. According to the World Health Organization, anthropogenic noise is one of the most hazardous forms of anthropogenically driven environmental change and is recognized as a major global pollutant. However, crucial advances in the rapidly emerging research on noise pollution focus exclusively on single aspects of noise pollution, e.g. on behaviour, physiology, terrestrial ecosystems, or on certain taxa. Given that more than two-thirds of our planet is covered with water, there is a pressing need to get a holistic understanding of the effects of anthropogenic noise in aquatic ecosystems. We found experimental evidence for negative effects of anthropogenic noise on an individual's development, physiology, and/or behaviour in both invertebrates and vertebrates. We also found that species differ in their response to noise, and highlight the potential underlying mechanisms for these differences. Finally, we point out challenges in the study of aquatic noise pollution and provide directions for future research, which will enhance our understanding of this globally present pollutant.

scholarly journals When to change your tune? Unpaired and paired male house wrens respond differently to anthropogenic noise

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin E. Grabarczyk ◽  
Monique A. Pipkin ◽  
Maarten J. Vonhof ◽  
Sharon A. Gill
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Noise Masking ◽  
House Wrens ◽  
Song Transmission ◽  
Song Frequency ◽  
Male House

In response to anthropogenic noise, many bird species adjust their song frequency, presumably to optimize song transmission and overcome noise masking. But the costs of song adjustments may outweigh the benefits during different stages of breeding, depending on the locations of potential receivers. Selection might favor unpaired males to alter their songs because they sing to attract females that may be widely dispersed, whereas paired males might not if mates and neighbors are primary receivers of their song. We hypothesized male house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) respond differently to noise depending on their pairing status. To test our hypothesis we synthesized pink noise, which mimics anthropogenic noise, and played it at three intensities in territories of paired and unpaired focal males. We recorded their songs and analyzed whether song structure varied with pairing status and noise treatment. To validate our study design, we tested whether noise playback affected measurement of spectral song traits and changed noise levels within territories of focal males. Consistent with our predictions, unpaired males sang differently than paired males, giving longer songs at higher rates. Contrary to predictions, paired males changed their songs by increasing peak frequency during high intensity noise playback, whereas unpaired males did not. If adjusting song frequency in noise is beneficial for long-distance communication we would have expected unpaired males to change their songs in response to noise. By adjusting song frequency, paired males reduce masking and produce a song that is easier to hear. However, if females prefer low frequency song, then unpaired males may be constrained by female preference. Alternatively, if noise adjustments are learned and vary with experience or quality, unpaired males in our study population may be younger, less experienced, or lower quality males.

scholarly journals Social and environmental correlates of rat complaints in Chicago

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia A Sánchez ◽  
María Jazmín Rios ◽  
Maureen H Murray
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Wealth Inequality ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Environmental Correlates ◽  
Growing Rat ◽  
Commercial Sources

Abstract Urban rats are widely distributed pests that have negative effects on public health and property. It is crucial to understand their distribution to inform control efforts and address drivers of rat presence. Analysing public rat complaints can help assess urban rat distribution and identify factors supporting rat populations. Both social and environmental factors could promote rat complaints and must be integrated to understand rat distributions. We analysed rat complaints made between 2011 and 2017 in Chicago, a city with growing rat problems and stark wealth inequality. We examined whether rat complaints at the census tract level are associated with factors that could influence rat abundance, rats’ visibility to humans, and the likelihood of people making a complaint. Complaints were significantly positively correlated with anthropogenic factors hypothesized to promote rat abundance (restaurants, older buildings, garbage complaints, and dog waste complaints) or rat visibility (building construction/demolition activity), and factors hypothesized to increase the likelihood of complaining (human population density, more owner-occupied homes); we also found that complaints were highest in the summer. Our results suggest that conflicts between residents and rats are mainly driven by seasonal variation in rat abundance and human activity and could be mitigated with strategies such as securing food waste from residential and commercial sources. Accounting for social factors such as population density, construction and demolition activity, and home ownership versus rental can also help cities more accurately predict blocks at higher risk of rat conflicts.

Male House Wrens provide more parental provisioning to nests with a brighter artificial egg

2014 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 508-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey A. Walters ◽  
Nathan Olszewski ◽  
Kevin Sobol
Keyword(s):  
House Wrens ◽  
Parental Provisioning ◽  
Male House

scholarly journals Assessments and Control of Anthropogenic Noise Pollution in Students’ Residential Areas in Ogbomoso

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. O. Ajayeoba
Keyword(s):  
Medical History ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Circuit Breaker ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Sound System ◽  
And Control

Increased rate of noise-associated risk factors such as speech interference and reduction in productivity, necessitated that control and regulation measures be put in place, to contain anthropogenic noise pollution in the students’ hostels. Therefore, this study assessed the various anthropogenic sources of noise pollution in students’ hostels and developed a Sound Level Monitor and Control (SLMC) device. 1250 undergraduate students across 5 students’ residential zones were sampled for demographics and investigations were conducted into respondents’ perceived medical history, identification of noise sources, and evaluation of hearing loss. Effects of noise levels were evaluated using 100 respondents’ rooms per zone following standard procedures, considering Sound-System-Only (SSO), Generators-Only (GO), and combination of Sound-System-and-Generator (SSG), loud-conversations, etc., as sources of noise. However, a noise control device incorporated with a circuit breaker was developed. The respondents were 51.2% male and 48.8% female, with 58% in the age range 18 – 27 years. The medical history showed that 1.2 and 6.4% had a hearing problem in short and long times, respectively, while 43.6% affirmed that SSO was a major noise pollution causal factor. SSO, GO, loud conversations, traffic, and grinding machines were identified as the prominent sources of anthropogenic induced noise. The minimum average SL result gave a value of 62.8400dB for both ventilated and unventilated rooms, which is 14% above 55dB threshold value recommended by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency. The developed SLMC device gave notification at the SL above 55dB for 15 seconds before disconnecting the sound system if not regulated.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Research Investigating the Combined Ecological Impact of Anthropogenic Noise and Artificial Light at Night

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter Halfwerk ◽  
Paul Jerem
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
The Impact

Levels of anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night (ALAN) are rapidly rising on a global scale. Both sensory pollutants are well known to affect animal behavior and physiology, which can lead to substantial ecological impacts. Most studies on noise or light pollution to date have focused on single stressor impacts, studying both pollutants in isolation despite their high spatial and temporal co-occurrence. However, few studies have addressed their combined impact, known as multisensory pollution, with the specific aim to assess whether the interaction between noise and light pollution leads to predictable, additive effects, or less predictable, synergistic or antagonistic effects. We carried out a systematic review of research investigating multisensory pollution and found 28 studies that simultaneously assessed the impact of anthropogenic noise and ALAN on animal function (e.g., behavior, morphology or life-history), physiology (e.g., stress, oxidative, or immune status), or population demography (e.g., abundance or species richness). Only fifteen of these studies specifically tested for possible interactive effects when both sensory pollutants were combined. Four out of eight experimental studies revealed a significant interaction effect, in contrast to only three out seven observational studies. We discuss the benefits and limitations of experimental vs. observational studies addressing multisensory pollution and call for more specific testing of the diverse ways in which noise and light pollution can interact to affect wildlife.

Female Attraction To Male Song in House Wrens (Troglodytes Aedon)

Behaviour ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 133 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 357-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Searcy ◽  
L. Scott Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Empty Nest ◽  
Troglodytes Aedon ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Male Song ◽  
Visit Rate ◽  
House Wrens ◽  
Female Attraction ◽  
Male House

AbstractThis study tested the hypothesis that the song of male birds can function to attract mates. At 11 different locations on our Wyoming study area, we broadcast the song of male house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) from a loudspeaker mounted next to an empty nest box in an unoccupied wren territory. The number of female wrens attracted to the 'speaker box' was compared to the number visiting a silent, control box on another, unoccupied territory nearby. Females visited speaker boxes at a significantly higher rate than they visited control boxes. Ten females visited speaker boxes in six different trials during periods when no male was associated with either the speaker or control box (total time = 45.5 h; visit rate = 0.22/h). In contrast, only one female visited a control box during these same periods (= 0.02 visits/h), and she did so after first visiting the speaker box. Two females visited the speaker box simultaneously in some trials and chasing or fighting always ensued. Many females showed signs of settling permanently at speaker boxes, remaining at speaker boxes from their arrival to the end of the trial (> 5 h in two cases), and most began constructing nests in boxes, despite the absence of a male. In summary, this study provides strong experimental evidence that the song of male house wrens can function to attract mates for breeding.

scholarly journals Impact of Dim Light at Night on Urinary 6-Sulphatoxymelatonin Concentrations and Sleep in Healthy Humans

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7736
Author(s):  
Katarina Stebelova ◽  
Jan Roska ◽  
Michal Zeman
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Health It ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Healthy Humans ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Fragmentation Index ◽  
Melatonin Production

Artificial light at night can have negative effects on human wellbeing and health. It can disrupt circadian rhythms, interfere with sleep, and participate in the progress of civilisation diseases. The aim of the present study was to explore if dim artificial light during the entire night (ALAN) can affect melatonin production and sleep quality in young volunteers. We performed two experiments in real-life home-based conditions. Young volunteers (n = 33) were exposed to four nights of one lux ALAN or two nights of five lux ALAN. Melatonin production, based on 6-sulphatoxymelatonin/creatinine concentrations in urine, and sleep quality, based on actimetry, were evaluated. Exposure to ALAN one lux during the entire night did not suppress aMT6s/creatinine concentrations but did aggravate sleep quality by increasing sleep fragmentation and one-minute immobility. ALAN up to five lux reduced melatonin biosynthesis significantly and interfered with sleep quality, as evidenced by an increased percentage of one-minute immobility and a tendency of increased fragmentation index. Our results show that people are more sensitive to low illuminance during the entire night, as previously expected. ALAN can interfere with melatonin production and sleep quality in young, healthy individuals, and both processes have different sensitivities to light.

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