Our new study reveals that birds also suffer when their sleep is disrupted, and this is evident in their singing. Studies show that birds experiencing noise and light pollution sleep less and wake up more often. We’ve all had a bad night’s sleep, with a snoring partner, a crying baby, or neighbors having too much fun. Sleep disturbances are common and have unpleasant consequences the day after, including feeling unmotivated and struggling to communicate. But it turns out we are not alone in this. Our new study reveals that birds also suffer when their sleep is disrupted, and this is evident in their singing. Birds’ vocalizations are extraordinarily diverse. They range from simple calls, like a chicken cluck, to complex mimicry of other sounds, sometimes even human voices. These vocalizations are important for birds to share information about themselves and their surroundings. Calls are usually short and simple. They are often used for social communication, such as signaling danger or food, for family recognition, or to maintain social bonds. Songs are more complex and melodious and are used to attract mates, protect a territory, or claim a new one. To produce such sounds, birds must coordinate several body systems, including many parts of the brain, lungs, and throat muscles. Because vocalizations are intricate and require precise timing, they are susceptible to errors. In many species, birds that sing more frequently and with greater complexity can attract better mates and defend territories. Therefore, a poor-quality song can seriously affect a bird’s ability to reproduce and survive.
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Saturday, October 11, 2025