Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Birdsong gives clue to breakup of habitat



"Birds in Spain and Morocco are having trouble hearing and copying each other's songs because of the way their habitat has been broken up, according to a study published today. As a result the birds are living in more isolated groups and only learning songs from their closest neighbours. The researchers believe that these changes in song patterns are an early warning of habitat fragmentation, which could lead to lower genetic diversity and inbred populations."

Link: Full Article from Guardian Unlimited

Singing Western Meadowlark image © 2005 Michael McDowell