The importance of investigating the impact of simultaneous anthropogenic stressors: the effects of rising temperatures and anthropogenic noise on avian behaviour and cognition

Abstract

Rising temperatures and anthropogenic noise are two of the most pervasive and well researched anthropogenic stressors affecting avian species globally. Despite often triggering similar behavioural responses in birds, and frequently co-occurring (particularly in urban areas), the impact of these stressors are primarily investigated in isolation. Here, we discuss and compare the most commonly researched effects of anthropogenic noise and rising temperatures on avian behaviour. We then outline recent findings on the impacts of these two stressors on cognition in birds, which underpins many behavioural adjustments. We find that both anthropogenic noise and high temperatures, when investigated in isolation, impact avian behaviours such as foraging, the antipredator response, and interactions with conspecifics. We also find that both these stressors can lead to cognitive impairment, but the occurrence and magnitude of impairment varies depending on the cognitive trait examined. Finally, we discuss the limited studies that have investigated these two anthropogenic stressors simultaneously and outline different scenarios in which additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects of these stressors may occur. We hope our review will stimulate researchers to investigate the simultaneous effects of these and other anthropogenic stressors on the behaviour and cognition of urban-living wild birds.