A recent study has uncovered a puzzling phenomenon: urban birds such as pigeons, sparrows, and magpies are more frightened of women than men, yet researchers remain uncertain as to why. Published in the British Ecological Society journal, the findings indicate that birds can discern a person's gender and permit men to approach approximately one meter closer on average before taking flight.
Consistent Across Species
The study, which encompassed 37 different bird species, revealed consistent results. Scientists now aim to determine what makes women appear more threatening to these birds. Professor Daniel Blumstein, a co-author from the University of California, remarked, "I fully believe our results, that urban birds react differently based on the sex of the person approaching them, but I can't explain them right now."
Methodology and Observations
Conducted across Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, and Spain, the research included 2,701 observations. Male and female participants, matched in height and clothing, walked directly toward birds in urban parks and green spaces. Species observed included great tits, blackbirds, starlings, and woodpeckers, in addition to pigeons and sparrows.
Overall, women could approach to an average of 8.5 meters before birds fled, while men could get within 7.5 meters. Dr. Federico Morelli, a co-author from the University of Turin, noted, "This is maybe the most interesting part of our study. We have identified a phenomenon, but we really don't know why. However, what our results do highlight is the birds' sophisticated ability to evaluate their environment."
Potential Explanations
The scientists confirmed that urban birds can differentiate between male and female humans, but the specific traits they detect remain unclear. Speculations include pheromones, body shape, or gait, though further research is necessary. Dr. Yanina Benedetti, another co-author, expressed surprise at the findings, stating, "As a woman in the field, I was surprised that birds reacted to us differently. This study highlights how animals in cities 'see' humans, which has implications for urban ecology and equality in science. Many behavioural studies assume that a human observer is neutral, but this wasn't the case for urban birds in our study."
She added, "Urban birds clearly react to subtle cues that humans do not easily notice. Follow-up studies could focus on individual factors such as movement patterns, scent cues, or physical traits, testing them separately rather than grouping them under observer sex. This approach would help identify the specific cues birds detect."
