LONDON: Why do urban birds appear to fear women more than men?
A study conducted across five European countries has found that birds tend to fly away sooner when approached by women, although researchers have yet to establish the reason.
The study examined 37 bird species in Germany, France, Poland, the Czech Republic and Spain. Male and female volunteers were asked to walk towards birds in gardens and green spaces to measure how closely they could approach before the birds took flight.
Researchers found that men could get approximately one metre closer to the birds than women before the birds flew away. The findings suggest that urban birds may distinguish between men and women and respond differently to their presence.
However, scientists could not determine how the birds recognised the difference or why they appeared more cautious around women.
Researchers suggested that differences in body shape, walking style or other physical characteristics could influence the birds’ reactions. They said the findings highlight birds’ ability to assess their surroundings, but further research is needed to explain the behaviour.
The study’s findings were published in the journal People and Nature.
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