Nestling birds struggle in noisy environments

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-10/asoa-nbs102314.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 29-Oct-2014

Contact: Jason Socrates Bardi
Acoustical Society of America

Nestling birds struggle in noisy environments
Ambient noise impairs critical vocal communication between nestling birds and their parents

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 29, 2014--Unable to fly, nestling birds depend on their parents for both food and protection: vocal communication between parents and offspring helps young birds to determine when they should beg for food and when they should crouch in the nest to avoid a predator seeking an easy meal.

A group of researchers from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia has found that ambient, anthropomorphic noise – from traffic, construction and other human activities – can break this vital communications link, leaving nestlings vulnerable or hungry.

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