Can birds outsing traffic? Some are trying

NPR | By Henry Larson,

Adrian Florido, Daniel Ofman

Published June 7, 2026 at 4:53 PM EDT

New research from scientists at the Centre for Ecological Research in Hungary finds that some birds living in cities are changing their songs to compete with traffic and other urban noise.

Related Content

Israel hits Beirut's suburbs in retaliatory attack against Hezbollah

Jordan-Marie Smith

The attack comes after Hezbollah struck Israel's military with fighter drones, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
Israel says Iran launched a missile at it, in a first during fragile ceasefire

The Associated Press

The attack would be the first since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April, complicating mediation efforts for a deal to end the war.
Alexander Zverev wins the French Open to finally earn a 1st Grand Slam title

The Associated Press

After Italian Flavio Cobolli missed an overhead on the second championship point of the five-set encounter, Zverev dropped on his back and began sobbing.
U.K. deputy prime minister: JD Vance was wrong to blame teen's murder on immigration

The Associated Press

Britain's deputy prime minister says he told U.S. Vice President JD Vance he was wrong to blame immigration for the death of a university student who was handcuffed as he lay dying from a stab wound.
Armenians vote in general election watched closely by Russia and the West

The Associated Press

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his governing party are looking for a strong mandate for a new geopolitical course for Armenia. The opposition includes some parties that are vocally pro-Russia.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.