Urban birds fear women more than men, and scientists don't know why
A study has found that urban birds tend to flee sooner when approached by women than by men. This phenomenon was observed across five European countries and involved various bird species. Researchers are unsure why this difference exists, suggesting that more research is needed to understand the cues birds may be detecting.
- ▪Urban birds, such as great tits and house sparrows, flee sooner when approached by women compared to men.
- ▪The study was conducted in Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, and Spain, involving 2701 observations.
- ▪Researchers hypothesize that birds may be detecting cues such as pheromones or body shape, but the exact reasons remain unknown.
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April 28, 2026 Urban birds fear women more than men, and scientists don't know why by British Ecological Society edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Gaby Clark Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Andrew Zinin Lead Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).
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