A Sonic Net reduces damage to sunflower by blackbirds (Icteridae): Implications for broad-scale agriculture and crop establishment

Blackbirds, such as red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), are notorious agricultural pests and damage crops at multiple stages of growth. Our aim was to test a novel deterrent, the use sound designed mask communication among birds (termed “Sonic Net”), deter (Icteridae) from target areas maturing sunflower crops. The Sonic Net masks species by delivering “pink noise” that overlaps with frequencies uses for acoustic communication. If cannot hear predators or conspecific warning calls their perceived predation risk increases, they relocate an area lower risk. Working local producers in North Dakota, USA we set up experimental sites three fields were actively used mixed-species blackbird flocks. In each field, established two 0.2 ha plots measured initial 63 individually-marked sunflowers. We applied treatment one paired field. At end 20-day period, total damaged on sunflowers plot calculate change sunflower. all fields, treatments substantially reduced percent sunflowers, 28.6% (95% CI: 12.5–41.7%), 63.6% (57.2–69.0%) 22.6% (16.6–28.1%) Burleigh, McIntosh, Emmons, respectively. addition, higher available seed experienced damage. predict effect may be greater other crop phases types, establishment phase ground cover During there is relative lack tall, three-dimensional vegetational structure, which would allow more effective spread offer fewer physical refugia suggest both larger scale tests efficacy protecting early growth further explore usefulness this technology protection.