Effects of urbanization and human activity on bird vocalization and foraging behavior

Authors: Nia Mitchell, Kelly Wessell

SUNY Campus: Tompkins Cortland Community College

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 36

Timeslot: Session A 9:00-10:00 AM

Abstract: Habitat fragmentation due to urbanization disrupts natural processes, alters ecosystem dynamics, and consequently influences species-specific behaviors. Given their widespread distribution and sensitivity to environmental changes, birds serve as key ecological indicators for the impact of urbanization on behavior. This study examined how urbanization affects vocalization frequencies in Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), and Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) across urban and rural environments in North America. Results showed that in urban environments, Northern Cardinals and Red-winged Blackbirds exhibited significantly higher vocalization frequencies than their rural counterparts, while Black-capped Chickadees showed no significant difference. Additionally, this study analyzed foraging behavior by measuring the time spent at feeders across areas of low, moderate, and high human activity in Ithaca, NY. Notes on agonistic behavior were also recorded. Results suggest that Black-capped Chickadees and Northern Cardinals spent significantly more time foraging at feeders in low-activity areas, while Red-bellied Woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus) showed no significant differences.These findings suggest that urbanization leads to species-specific changes in bird behavior, such as increased vocalization frequencies in urban areas and reduced foraging time in high human activity areas. Understanding these species-specific behavioral adaptations in response to human activity highlights the broader ecological impact of urban development on wild