Cornell Chronicle reported that wildfire smoke from Canada reduced bird vocalizations across New York, according to author Caitlin Hayes.
The study, published Feb. 19 in Biological Conservation, examined how smoke from 2023 wildfires affected bird communication during breeding season.
Researchers found that multiple species reduced their songs and calls, with the greatest impact on grassland birds and species native to the eastern United States.
“Grassland birds are declining the most out of any group of birds, so it’s very important to understand the threats they face,” said Trifosa Simamora, co-first author and doctoral candidate.
The study identified the bobolink as the most affected species, showing the sharpest drop in communication.
Researchers collected data at 45 sites using autonomous recording devices and controlled for factors such as weather and breeding stage.
“By understanding cumulative stressors, wildlife managers can better prioritize conservation efforts for grassland birds in the state,” said senior author Steven Grodsky.
The research was funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and is part of a broader effort to study threats to grassland bird populations.
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