Abstract Title
Effect of Urban Ambient Noise on Song Frequencies in Resident Songbirds: Preliminary Results
Additional Funding Sources
This project is supported by a 2018-2019 STEM Undergraduate Research Grant from the Higher Education Research Council.
Abstract
In time post-Industrial Revolution, ambient noise is inescapable, especially in urban settings. While this doesn’t pose an issue for humans,city-dwelling birds struggle with this adjustment. Birds communicate primarily through songs or calls that could be masked by the cacophony of noises in an urban environment. This may lead to the adjustment of their song frequencies to account for the ambient noise but could result in a loss of fitness. Studies, like the one conducted by McClure and Ware et. al. (2013) where they showed the effects of urban noise as an isolated factor by creating a “phantom road,” have shown the effects of urban noise on birds, but none have been conducted in the LC Valley/Palouse area. To test these effects, we used a parabolic microphone and a TASCAM recorder to gather samples of songbird songs from urban, periurban, and rural settings. We noted the level of ambient noise using a mobile decibel reader. Using the RavenPro Software, the data will be analyzed and compared to a baseline recording to see if there are any significant differences between the three gradient locations. The results shown are preliminary and for visual purposes. Final results to follow with continued research.
Effect of Urban Ambient Noise on Song Frequencies in Resident Songbirds: Preliminary Results
In time post-Industrial Revolution, ambient noise is inescapable, especially in urban settings. While this doesn’t pose an issue for humans,city-dwelling birds struggle with this adjustment. Birds communicate primarily through songs or calls that could be masked by the cacophony of noises in an urban environment. This may lead to the adjustment of their song frequencies to account for the ambient noise but could result in a loss of fitness. Studies, like the one conducted by McClure and Ware et. al. (2013) where they showed the effects of urban noise as an isolated factor by creating a “phantom road,” have shown the effects of urban noise on birds, but none have been conducted in the LC Valley/Palouse area. To test these effects, we used a parabolic microphone and a TASCAM recorder to gather samples of songbird songs from urban, periurban, and rural settings. We noted the level of ambient noise using a mobile decibel reader. Using the RavenPro Software, the data will be analyzed and compared to a baseline recording to see if there are any significant differences between the three gradient locations. The results shown are preliminary and for visual purposes. Final results to follow with continued research.
Comments
T5