What birds’ attitudes to litter tell us about their ability to adapt

Urban birds are less afraid of litter than their country cousins, according to a new study, which suggests they may learn that litter in cities is not dangerous. The research could help birds to adapt to urban settings better, helping them to survive increasing human encroachment on their habitats. [The birds] may actually be learning which specific parts of urban habitats are safe and which are dangerous - Alison Greggor The study led by Gates Cambridge Scholar Alison Greggor and published in the journal Animal Behaviour , shows that corvids - the family of birds which includes crows, ravens and magpies - are more likely to show fear in relation to unfamiliar objects than other birds. However, if they and other bird species have previously encountered similar objects they are able to overcome some of their fear. The researchers measured levels of fear of new objects in birds across urban and rural habitats, comparing corvids, a family known for being behaviourally flexible and innovative, with other bird species found in urban areas. The birds' hesitancy to approach food when different types of objects were nearby was compared to their behaviour when food was presented alone. The researchers found corvids were more afraid of objects than other birds.