Overview

• The study, published in Animal Behaviour, highlights how traffic noise heightens aggression in Galápagos yellow warblers living near roads.
• Researchers found that birds near roads adapt their songs by increasing minimum frequencies to overcome noise interference.
• Experiments conducted at 38 sites on Santa Cruz and Floreana Islands revealed behavioral differences based on proximity to roads.
• Even minimal traffic, such as on Floreana Island with about 10 vehicles, significantly altered bird behavior.
• The findings emphasize the importance of addressing noise pollution in conservation strategies for unique species in fragile ecosystems.