‘Vulnerability of neotropical avifauna to noise pollution’

Constantino Macías García, Diego Gil Pérez.

In recent years, certain European birds exposed to high levels of noise pollution in urban environments have been found to modify their song so as to communicate better. Conversely, it seems that many neotropical birds lack this degree of adaptability, meaning they could find themselves biologically more vulnerable to high noise levels. In addition, it is unclear how females’ preferences might evolve in response to the males’ new song, with possibly grave consequences for the viability of these populations.

This project will pursue a better understanding of how noise pollution affects birdsong, by determining the mechanisms which trigger these changes, especially in neotropical birds.a