15/03/2024
Love your magpies? Turning outdoor lighting off at night could make a big difference for their quality of life.
Australian magpies are known for their beautiful morning calls, but research has confirmed that just like some humans, if they don’t get a good night’s sleep they will put off their morning plans to have a sleep-in.
Researchers from La Trobe University found that after a poor night’s sleep, magpies will sing later than usual and sing a much simpler song, as well as performing poorer on cognitive tests
Associate Professor John Lesku found that the birds shifted songs they would have sung at sunrise closer to midday.
There has not been a great deal of research previously into the effects of sleep-deprivation on birds, however more is now being done, with increasing loss of habitat meaning the birds are having to adapt to urban environments.
Magpies are no strangers to human cities, especially suburban areas, but this research suggests the effects of having to share space with humans could extend into their sleep patterns.
Previous studies have showing streetlights which shine throughout the night deprive magpies of sleep, and this newer study have showed the implications of that.
📷Laurie Boyle
