Presentation Details
| Investigating the effects of noise pollution on anti-predator behaviors in Killdeer of Southern California Brianna A Baeza, Karina A Sanchez. California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carson, California, USA |
Abstract
Urbanization introduces sensory pollutants such as noise which disrupt avian acoustic communication and environmental cues by masking sounds. Most studies focus on passerines, leaving a gap in understanding the effects on other avian species. Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), a ground-nesting shorebird, is increasingly common in human-altered habitats. Killdeer’s rely on conspicuous distraction displays to defend nests from predators and it is unclear whether these displays remain effective in urban spaces. This is an ongoing study on how anthropogenic noise influences Killdeer anti-predator behavior in Southern California. To quantify the frequency of anti-predator behaviors, cameras wired in protective housing will be deployed near active nests with song meters to continuously measure ambient noise levels. Videos will be reviewed to identify and categorize anti-predator displays including broken-wing display, ungulate display, and low growl to compare amongst varying anthropogenic noise environments. Understanding how noise alters defense behaviors will improve predictions of species persistence and abundance in urban environments for ground-nesting birds in Southern California.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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