When birds sing, many of us feel a subtle sense of calm. A new study from the University of Tübingen in Germany explains why certain bird vocalizations are especially pleasing to human ears.
Key findings
The researchers asked 84 participants to listen to recordings of 123 wild bird species and rate how pleasant each song sounded. Results showed a clear preference for softer sounds with a narrower frequency range, as well as for more complex, intricate songs.
“This suggests that enjoyment of birdsong is connected to something more fundamental than just knowing what you are listening to,” said lead author Dr. Nadine Kalb. The study found that listeners’ familiarity with birds did not affect their preferences, indicating a deeper, perhaps evolutionary, response.
Top and bottom performers
The common blackbird (Turdus merula) topped the list with an average pleasantness rating of 4.52 out of 5. Its rich, mellow, flutelike song resonated strongly with participants. At the opposite end, the barn owl’s eerie, raspy screech received the lowest rating of 1.32.
Other high‑scoring birds included the European goldfinch (4.26), the European robin (4.04) and the blue tit (3.92).
Implications for public spaces
According to senior author Dr. Christoph Randler, the findings could help city planners and park designers create more restorative environments. By favoring plantings that attract birds with the identified acoustic traits, municipalities may enhance the soundscape and promote psychological well‑being.
Randler cautioned, however, that simply playing recorded birdsong through loudspeakers does not replicate the benefits of naturally occurring bird vocalizations, a conclusion supported by earlier research from his team.
Expert commentary
Dr. Olga Feher, a psychology professor at the University of Warwick, noted that the study aligns with other research suggesting shared biological preferences for certain sounds across species. She warned that focusing only on charismatic, melodious birds could unintentionally marginalize species with less pleasant calls.
Animal communication researcher Dr. Robert Lachlan highlighted that while low‑pitched, flutelike notes often score high, the relationship between frequency and attractiveness remains complex and warrants further investigation.
Future directions
The researchers plan to explore why these acoustic features appeal to humans and whether preferences hold across different cultures and environments. Understanding the link between birdsong and human perception could inform not only park design but also broader efforts to foster healthier, more enjoyable public spaces.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
