The Effects of Sound on Songbird Behavior and Management

This research focuses primarily on the responses of songbirds to the increasing levels of anthropogenic (human caused) noise that overlaps their vocal signals.

Since these overlapped signals appear to be less detectable, we have been investigating mechanisms that species employ to increase the effectiveness of their signals in areas of high noise. We have also investigated the potential that noise exacerbates the loss of some species and facilitates homogenization in developed landscapes.

To learn more about this research see Darren Proppe's interview on the BBC website and on BBC World News. Currently, we are investigating a novel method for sustaining songbird populations in the presence of anthropogenic noise. Given the seemingly unstoppable increase in noise levels worldwide, we must realistically seek for ways to preserve biodiversity within this context.

Funding

• Calvin College
• Acme Center for Birds