Behavioural Plasticity in Urban Avian Species: Adaptive Responses to Anthropogenic Noise and Light Pollution
Author : Dheeraj PS
Abstract :
Urbanization is rapidly transforming the Indian landscape, creating novel environmental pressures for avian communities. This paper examines Behavioural plasticity in urban birds as a mechanism for coping with anthropogenic noise and light pollution. Drawing on recent studies from across India, we document significant shifts in vocalization patterns, reproductive strategies, foraging ecology, and nesting behaviours. The Common Myna and Red-vented Bulbul exemplify successful adaptation, demonstrating frequency shifts in song, use of anthropogenic nesting materials, and dietary flexibility. However, not all species thrive. The House Sparrow shows declining breeding success in cities due to higher predation and nest abandonment rates. The Spotted Munia presents a contrasting pattern, achieving greater breeding success in urban habitats compared to forests. Our analysis reveals that species with high Behavioural plasticity are urban winners, while specialists face local extinction risks. The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation-oriented urban planning. Recommendations include reducing artificial light at night, creating vegetative buffers, protecting urban wetlands, and integrating biodiversity data into city design. This paper contributes to the growing understanding of synurbization in India and offers practical pathways for fostering human-bird coexistence in rapidly developing cities.
Keywords :
Behavioural plasticity, urban avian ecology, anthropogenic noise, light pollution, synurbization, vocalization adaptation.
