Skip to main content

The Effects of Sound on Songbird Behavior and Management

Songbird Behavior(2)

This research focuses primarily on the responses of songbirds to the increasing levels of anthropogenic (human caused) noise that overlaps their vocal signals.

<p>Since these overlapped signals appear to be less detectable, we have been investigating mechanisms that species employ to increase the effectiveness of their signals in areas of high noise. We have also investigated the potential that noise exacerbates the loss of some species and facilitates homogenization in developed landscapes.</p>
<p>To learn more about this research see Darren Proppe's interview on the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21716030">BBC website</a> and on <a href="http://www.calvin.edu/academic/biology/about/faculty/proppe/bbc_world_n… World News</a>. Currently, we are investigating a novel method for sustaining songbird populations in the presence of anthropogenic noise. Given the seemingly unstoppable increase in noise levels worldwide, we must realistically seek for ways to preserve biodiversity within this context.</p>

Funded by

HHMI, MDEQ Clean Water Act 319 Funding, Plaster Creek Watershed Restoration Project, Pierce Cedar Creek

Scholarships

Effects of pollution on Great Lakes colonial water birds

Performing medical tests on colonies of herring gulls, black-crowned night herons and Caspian terns to see whether pollution is contributing to their health problems and low population numbers.

Conspecific Attraction: Are Birds Attracted to Their Own Species Songs?

Some species of songbirds will establish more readily in an area if songs from other males of their species (conspecifics) are played back on speakers during migration. However, this phenomenon has not been tested for many species of birds in Michigan. Conducted at 20-40 sites in Northern Michigan, this research was designed to test whether playing the conspecific (male bird species) songs of five bird species increases establishment rates of those species.

Departments

Biology

Serious about science and faith?

You’ll fit right in here. As a Calvin biology major, you’ll learn more than just facts, data, and theories. You’ll gain the critical thinking skills behind great science and learn how to apply them to many fields.

All biology programs aren’t the same. At Calvin...

Loading...