Effects of experimental chronic traffic noise exposure on adult and nestling corticosterone levels, and nestling body condition in a free-living bird
Transportation noise affects urbanized, rural, and otherwise unaltered habitats. Given expanding transportation networks, alterations in the acoustic landscapes experienced by animals are likely to be pervasive and persistent (i.e. chronic). It is important to understand if chronic noise exposure alters behavior and physiology in free-living animals, as it may result in long-lasting impacts, such as […]
Glucocorticoids, individual quality and reproductive investment in a passerine bird
Measures of individual quality, especially energetic resources, have long been linked to investment in reproduction. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying this relationship are not well understood. In this study, we examined glucocorticoids as a potential mediator linking individual quality to investment in reproduction, because glucocorticoids have been associated with measures of both energetic resources and […]
Ambient noise and parental communication of predation risk in tree swallows, Tachycineta bicolor
Ambient noise can mask important acoustic signals used in a variety of communication systems, especially if signals are not adjusted to improve transmission in noise. Nestling birds communicate with their parents using loud begging calls that convey their need for food, but that also attract predators to the nest. Parents can reduce this vulnerability by […]
Effect of ambient noise on parent–offspring interactions in tree swallows
Many recent studies suggest that increased ambient noise can disrupt acoustic communication in animals and might ultimately decrease their reproductive success. Most of these studies have focused on long-distance signals used in mate attraction and territory defence, but close-range acoustic interactions between parents and offspring may also be disrupted by noise and are closely linked […]
Experimental anthropogenic noise impacts avian parental behaviour, nestling growth and nestling oxidative stress
Human-produced noise, from transport, urbanization and industry, is widespread. Studies of noise pollution show a wide range of effects on birds, such as alterations in communication, parental behaviour, physiology and reproductive success. These human-induced changes are likely to have long-term impacts, such as altered nestling physiology and survival, as well as reduced local population size. […]