Urban birds more likely to flee from women than men

Urban birds flee more quickly when approached by women than by men, according to a study published in April 2026 ^[1].

The findings suggest that city-dwelling wildlife may perceive humans differently based on gender. This discovery challenges existing assumptions about how urban animals generalize threats in densely populated environments.

An international team of researchers conducted the study across five European cities ^[1]. The team examined 36 different bird species ^[2], including house sparrows, pigeons, magpies, blackbirds, and great tits ^[1]. The researchers observed how these birds reacted as people of different genders approached them in urban settings.

The data indicated a consistent pattern of avoidance. In some instances, men were able to approach birds to within about one meter before the animals fled ^[2]. Women, however, triggered flight responses from a greater distance ^[1].

Despite the clear data, the research team has not identified a cause for the behavior. Scientists said they have no explanation for why urban birds appear more afraid of women than men ^[1]. The researchers did not specify whether the difference was due to visual cues, auditory signals, or other behavioral patterns.

The study included a wide variety of common urban species to ensure the results were not limited to a single type of bird ^[2]. By observing these interactions across multiple cities, the team confirmed that the trend was not an isolated local phenomenon ^[1].

Further research is required to determine if this behavior is learned or innate. The team continues to investigate the variables that contribute to how birds perceive human presence in the city.