According to researchers at the University of Tübingen, the blackbird has been ranked as the most soothing bird call among over 100 bird songs evaluated for their calming effects on listeners.
In a study, participants in Germany rated the sounds of 123 different bird species, with the barn owl being rated as the most annoying sound. The sparrow was ranked 60th, the yellow-billed heron 68th, and the brown pigeon 101st.
Researchers have discovered that the melodies of beloved birds are more complex and typically played at higher frequencies, which are not necessarily within the human hearing range.
Dr. Nadine Kalb, the study author, suggests that humans may have a preference for sounds that are varied and of moderate amplitude and frequency as they indicate a safe and relaxing environment.
The study also indicates that human biases influence people’s perception of bird species, affecting their ratings.
The 5 most annoying bird songs are:
- Barn owl (Tito Alba)
- Egyptian goose (Allopochennettaiaca)
- Gray Heron (Aldea Cinerea)
- Hayabusa (Hayabusa)
- Eurasian Jay (Galarus Grandarius)
The top 5 most soothing bird songs include:
- Common Blackbird (Tsugumi Merula)
- Willow Warbler (Philoscopus trochilus)
- black cap (Silvia Atricapilla)
- Mistlethrush (Thrush viscivorus)
- Japanese warbler in the garden (Sylvia Bolin)
Find out more about this fascinating study.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
