Chapter 8 Communication - Human impacts on avian communication

Authors: GILL, SHARON - Western Michigan University; Grabarczyk, Erin; POTVIN, DOMINIQUE - University Of Sunshine Coast

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/15/2020
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Communication is an essential behavior for songbirds. Vocal communication in particular is fundamental for establishing and maintaining social relationships, promoting the survival of individuals and populations, as well as attracting and retaining mates. The environment in which animals live influences communication, as all signals must transmit through the environment from the signal sender to the signal receiver. Human infrastructure and activities may differentially affect vocal communication patterns, depending on the form and function, and plasticity and adaptability, of the signals being used. In this chapter, we briefly describe foundational principles of songbird communication and highlight main findings regarding the impacts of anthropogenic activities on vocal communication. We then focus our review on management and conservation strategies in the context of anthropogenic noise pollution. We examine how understanding communication adjustments in noise can guide management, by honing in on what we currently understand about songbird noise exposure that may inform management approaches. This entails considering methods to accurately characterize noise, including spatial and temporal variation in noise, and threshold noise levels for behavioral adjustments. We then explore species-level and area-based approaches to identify and conserve quiet spaces and to mitigate noise exposure. Songbirds may not only serve as indicators of decline in habitat quality and suitability, but could also be used to inform the effectiveness and future direction of conservation efforts.

Technical Abstract: Communication is an essential behavior for songbirds. Vocal communication in particular is fundamental for establishing and maintaining social relationships, promoting the survival of individuals and populations, as well as attracting and retaining mates. The environment in which animals live influences communication, as all signals must transmit through the environment from the signal sender to the signal receiver. Human infrastructure and activities may differentially affect vocal communication patterns, depending on the form and function, and plasticity and adaptability, of the signals being used. In this chapter, we briefly describe foundational principles of songbird communication and highlight main findings regarding the impacts of anthropogenic activities on vocal communication. We then focus our review on management and conservation strategies in the context of anthropogenic noise pollution. We examine how understanding communication adjustments in noise can guide management, by honing in on what we currently understand about songbird noise exposure that may inform management approaches. This entails considering methods to accurately characterize noise, including spatial and temporal variation in noise, and threshold noise levels for behavioral adjustments. We then explore species-level and area-based approaches to identify and conserve quiet spaces and to mitigate noise exposure. Songbirds may not only serve as indicators of decline in habitat quality and suitability, but could also be used to inform the effectiveness and future direction of conservation efforts.