How farmland birds react to traffic noise?

The effect of vehicle noise on farmland birds living in the vicinity very busy roads was investigated. study conducted two plots crop fields located near national Nr. 12 and 19, most important trunk Poland eastern part Europe. results current are wide relevance because dominant landscape type both conservation animals, including birds, such habitats is a priority issue view strong pressure from human activities intensification agriculture. fieldwork carried out monthly April to June 2020 included counting three rows listening-observation points situated at 50, 150 250 m roads. At each observation point, all meadow seen heard during five-minute period were recorded, as maximum ambient level this time. With increasing distance roads, decreased while number individual observed species increased. Most like skylark, lapwing, whinchat, yellowhammer, pipit, pheasant, common quail, avoided In contrast, abundant yellow wagtail appeared be insensitive traffic evenly distributed over plots. their associated had negative impact about 100 m. that distance, levels above 53–60 dB led sharp falls bird densities. Bird mortality due collisions with vehicles low combined lack attractive roadside effectively deterred