Zebra finches show spatial avoidance of near but not far distance traffic noise

Abstract

Abstract Traffic noise is on the rise worldwide. Birds have been reported to decrease in number and diversity near highways. This could be indirectly caused by traffic if birds avoid overall poorer habitat quality near highways or directly if birds actively avoid noisy conditions. To test whether traffic noise directly affects birds’ spatial preferences, we designed a preference test where zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) could move freely between noisy and quiet aviaries that only differed in the type of noise playbacks. During playback of high amplitude traffic noise recorded near from highways (5–15 m), birds spent significantly more time in the quieter aviary. Such spatial preferences were not observed during playbacks of moderate amplitude traffic noise recorded further away (200–400 m). Our result provides experimental support for the growing notion that traffic noise itself rather than the presence of vehicles may suffice to deter birds from busy roads.