Urban birds flee faster when approached by women than men

An international research team discovered that urban birds flee earlier when approached by women than by men. ScienceDaily Biology reported that the study observed bird behavior across five European countries and examined 37 distinct species. [1]

The research encompassed common urban species, including great tits, house sparrows, and blackbirds. ScienceDaily Biology and Science Daily both noted that birds consistently initiated flight sooner in the presence of women, though researchers currently have no clear explanation for this behavioral difference. [1][2][3]

The findings highlight surprising patterns in how wild animals recognize and evaluate human traits in urban environments. ScienceDaily Biology reported that scientists are still struggling to determine the underlying mechanisms driving the response, leaving open questions about avian perception. [1]